Ukraine to Conduct Nationwide Inspections of Child Welfare Services — Ministry of Social Policy
Denis Ulyutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, has instructed the National Social Services Agency to conduct comprehensive inspections of child welfare services throughout Ukraine. The Ministry of Social Policy also announced plans to monitor the provision of a minimum package of social services in local communities.
This was reported by the Ministry of Social Policy.
As noted, the decision was made following an analysis of the results of monitoring and unscheduled inspections conducted by the National Social Service in 2025–2026. In particular, systemic problems were identified regarding the accessibility of social services for children and families, staff shortages, operational issues within child welfare services, and risks to children’s safety due to the delayed identification of families in crisis.
The ministry’s analysis showed that 58.6% of communities provide only 1–2 social services from the minimum package intended for children and families. The full package of social services is available in only 2.1% of communities.
The greatest shortage is observed in services for children with disabilities, early intervention, and support for families in crisis situations.
Ulyutin emphasized: “A child cannot ask the state for help on their own when their life or safety is already at risk. That is why the system must identify risks early and act preventively, rather than reacting only when the situation has already become critical.”
According to the minister, the key task today is to identify the system’s weaknesses and strengthen them with resources, specialists, and support from the state and international partners.
Appropriate decisions will be made based on the results of the inspections. The ministry will inform the public separately about the progress of the inspections and their results.
Forecasts regarding the return of Ukrainian refugees after the war ends are becoming increasingly conservative. According to Oleksandr Hladun, deputy director of the Institute of Demography at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, while researchers previously hoped for the return of 50% of citizens, they now consider only 30%to be a realistic figure.
Today, Ukraine’s population, including territories under Russian occupation, stands at just under 36 million, according to officials, compared to approximately 41 million when the war began. However, these figures are approximate and may be much lower.
