A two-year pilot project is being launched in Ukraine to ensure the development and care of children with disabilities who are unable to attend school full-time due to their health condition. The government has supported the relevant resolution, which was initiated by the Ministry of Social Policy.
This project involves the purchase of social services that combine educational and care components. Its goal is to enable children to develop the necessary skills, integrate socially and, if possible, return to the educational process.
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“We are creating this service specifically for children who remain at home not because of medical contraindications, but because of a lack of support. It is important that families are able not only to care for their children, but also to live a full life — to work, relax, and develop,” explained Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovich.
The service is aimed at children with special educational needs who require support of at least level four. Within the framework of the project, social and educational services will be provided in a comprehensive manner, which will prevent the institutionalisation of children and at the same time reduce the burden on parents.
Funding will come from the state budget through the Social Protection Fund for Persons with Disabilities. Communities wishing to join the initiative must create the appropriate conditions: identify needs, equip premises, provide transport, select service providers and co-financing, and appoint a social manager to coordinate the entire process.
Both individuals and legal entities can become service providers, provided they have a professional team consisting of a social worker, educator, psychologist, physical rehabilitation specialist, and social worker. The premises where the service is provided must be equipped with video surveillance accessible to parents.
Families of children with disabilities should contact their local government to receive the service. A mandatory requirement is a conclusion from the IRC indicating the level of support.
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