Thousands of Ukrainian children have been illegally taken to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion, and their return home is often a long and dangerous process. However, once they return, an equally important stage begins — reintegration into a safe environment. That is why projects are being launched in Ukraine to support children and young people who have experienced separation from their families, traumatic experiences and isolation.
A key element of this support is the creation of social apartments — specially equipped spaces for temporary accommodation for young people aged 18–24 who have returned from Russia or temporarily occupied territories. In the social apartment, they receive the psychological, social and legal assistance they need to recover from their experiences and adapt to peaceful life. It is a safe place where young people can feel stable again and find support before starting their independent journey.
The creation of the social apartment is part of the reintegration component of the presidential initiative Bring Kids Back UA. In June 2025, the Ukrainian Public Health Foundation joined the initiative and, together with HealthRight International, is working in nine regions of Ukraine: Vinnytsia, Volyn, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kyiv regions and in Kyiv.
Teams of case managers have already been formed in the regions to accompany children and young people under the age of 24 who have returned from Russia or TOT. They provide short-, medium- and long-term support. As of October 2025, 68 children and adolescents are under supervision.
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