Project “Minimum package of integrated social services for families with children”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) project in Ukraine “Minimum Package of Integrated Social Services for Families with Children” is being implemented by a consortium of organizations:Ukrainian Child Rights Network, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine, Social Synergy, and Ukrainian Educational Platform with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the German Development Bank (KFW).

Humanitarian needs in Ukraine are not decreasing, and have become even more acute during the war. Families with children are losing their relatives and friends, leaving their homes, being separated from their loved ones, finding themselves on the verge of poverty, with limited access to medical, educational, psychological, and social services…

Project goal: to provide sustainable services of the minimum package of integrated social services for further development of standards for these services at the state level.

Project goals:

• Developing the capacity of local authorities and social workers to provide quality and sustainable social services.
• Strengthening the capacity of professionals working in child-friendly spaces.
• Maintaining and expanding social services for children and families with children in accordance with the needs of the municipality/community (case management, referrals to social services, etc.).

Project duration: January 2024 – June 2025

Area of implementation: Ukraine (28 communities in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Chernihiv and Kharkiv oblasts).

The minimum package of integrated social services for families with children proposes the development and implementation of, for example, such services as social support for alternative forms of care (Foster Care, Guardianship, Care); day care for children; crisis intervention. It also strengthens the development of social services: mediation, development of parental competencies, early intervention, psychosocial support.

To effectively respond to the humanitarian crisis and contribute to Ukraine’s recovery, it is critical for the government and its partners across sectors, including child protection, health, education and social policy, to focus on designing, coordinating, implementing and monitoring a common package of integrated social services and entitlements. This requires clear guidelines and support to local communities in implementing these services, as well as joint planning and coordinated implementation of services among non-governmental actors.

Expected results:

• Evaluation and analysis of existing documents on service standards and practices on the ground (field assessments) to provide information on the quality of services and bring them in line with international best practices, including EU principles, best humanitarian practices and standards that take into account the needs of people with disabilities.
• Assessment of existing staff capacity and skills to support the service package and development of a staff capacity building plan to address identified gaps.
• Development of service specifications that include specific requirements for local communities to plan, budget and implement a package of services, including compliance with EU principles, best humanitarian practices and inclusive services.
• Developing a multisectoral approach to:
• An intersectoral coordination and referral system;
• Criteria and processes for providing services;
• Integrated case management;
• Harmonization of job descriptions/guidelines;
• Training for employees of social services, children’s services, healthcare and education;
• Multi-sectoral planning and budgeting.

Project donor: KFW, UNICEF