Key points
- In Ukraine, on July 16, 2026, the Law “On Mentoring” came into force, which for the first time comprehensively regulates this activity at the legislative level.
- Children and young people aged 10 to 23 will receive support from a mentor, including orphans, pupils of boarding schools, children in difficult life circumstances, and children of deceased defenders.
- The law introduces corporate mentoring – businesses will be able to involve employees as mentors and conduct career guidance events for young people.
- A citizen of Ukraine aged 21 or older can become a mentor after training and receiving the relevant conclusion.
- The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity is completing the preparation of bylaws for the implementation of the law.
In Ukraine, on July 16, 2026, the Law “On Mentoring” came into force – the document for the first time comprehensively regulates this activity at the legislative level.
The state has created a mechanism that helps every child or young person who needs it to find a reliable adult nearby who can support, advise, help believe in themselves, and take the first steps towards independent life.
– First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Lyudmyla Shemelynets.
Mentoring is defined as free and regular activities aimed at developing the personal potential of a child or young person, taking into account their individual needs.
Children and young people aged 10 to 23 will have the right to support from a mentor – including orphans, children deprived of parental care, pupils of boarding schools, children in difficult life circumstances, those who have returned after deportation or forced displacement, as well as children of deceased defenders and veterans of the war.
A separate innovation of the law is the introduction of corporate mentoring – businesses will be able to systematically involve employees in supporting young people, conducting career guidance events, educational visits, and internships.
Each of us has experience that can be useful to a child or young person. What has become familiar to us can become important support, a new opportunity, or the first step towards change for someone.
– Head of the Office of Children and Youth “DIIMO” at the Ministry of Social Policy and Ambassador of Mentoring Kyrylo Nevdochya.
A citizen of Ukraine aged 21 or older can become a mentor – for this, it is necessary to undergo training, submit the documents specified by law, and receive a conclusion about the possibility of carrying out such activities. Further, the organizer of mentoring forms a mentoring pair and accompanies the interaction with the child or young person.
Currently, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine is completing the preparation of bylaws necessary for the implementation of the law and is simultaneously updating the training program for trainers and candidates for mentors.
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