Ukraine Opens First Family Home

The first “Family Home” for orphans and children deprived of parental care has opened in Boryspil, Kyiv region, as part of a new Ukrainian state service designed to provide family-like living conditions for children awaiting placement with families.

The service was presented on Aug. 19 with the participation of First Lady Olena Zelenska, Social Policy, Family and Unity Minister Denys Uliutin, child welfare officials, regional authorities and representatives of the Boryspil community. Uliutin said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on institutional care and develop different forms of support based on children’s individual circumstances.

The “Family Home” is being launched as a two-year pilot project in 12 regions. The Olena Zelenska Foundation funded the construction of the first two homes, in the Kyiv and Chernivtsi regions, with support from the government of the United Arab Emirates.

The Boryspil house is barrier-free and energy-efficient, with private rooms, shared spaces, household appliances and a bomb shelter. During her visit, Zelenska met the residents and said the homes were intended as a temporary alternative to institutional care while efforts to find permanent families continue.