The family needs help

In Ukraine, the number of children who become orphans or are left without parental care increases every year. While most of these children are placed in family-based care, institutional facilities (orphanages) continue to operate. Before the war, over 100,000 children lived in such institutions — the highest rate of institutionalized child care in Europe.

According to data from the Ministry of Social Policy, as of early 2023, more than 93,000 children were registered in Ukrainian institutions. Of these, only 5,786 (6%) were orphans or children deprived of parental care (i.e., children with legal status). The remaining 94% are so-called “social orphans” — children who have living parents temporarily unable to fulfill their responsibilities (due to imprisonment, illness, substance abuse, or severe financial hardship), or unwilling to do so.

While financial aid to orphanages may improve material conditions, it can never replace a family for a child.

Social and psychological adaptation, the development of practical life skills, and a sense of responsibility are just as important as adequate nutrition. However, without the natural environment of a family, achieving such adaptation is far more difficult. Moreover, statistics unfortunately show poor outcomes for children raised in institutions: many end up in prison, and a significant percentage become homeless or take their own lives.

Thus, even without formal psychological training, it is clear: only a normal, nurturing family environment can give a child the chance to grow into a fully developed and well-adjusted individual.