The Ukrainian Child Rights Network, our partners, and state authorities work in synergy every day to find and return Ukrainian children displaced to Russia or to the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.
We help reunite families whose children are without parents during the occupation, support them at all stages of return, and help children adapt to a new life in safety.
Our work includes finding children and creating the safest possible algorithm for their return. We help parents prepare for reunification with their children, and after their return we provide them with social, legal and psychological support.
Every child has the right to a safe childhood with his or her family.
Together we are bringing Ukrainian children home!
to return the child to Ukraine?
Each return is a long and difficult journey that requires the coordinated work of parents or guardians, professionals, and the support of the entire society. A child may be under occupation or deportation, have no contact with relatives, or even be afraid of returning due to enemy propaganda.
But together we can help!
Here are the main steps you need to take to bring your child back to Ukraine:
FIRST STEP – REQUEST
Parents or guardians reach out to us. We clarify the child’s situation: Where is the child? What documents does the child and their relatives have? Do they have the possibility to communicate?
WHO WILL GO TO PICK UP THE CHILD?
We determine which relative can go to pick up the child. Usually, it is the mother, aunt, or grandmother. Men currently cannot make such a trip.
DOCUMENT PREPARATION
When the team understands where the child is located, the necessary package of documents is prepared. Work begins on logistics and finding the safest route. Throughout the entire journey, parents/guardians receive round-the-clock support from the team. We provide the prepared package of documents, travel funds, and recommendations on communication at different stages of the return. Psychological support is also provided.
RETURNING HOME
When the child is already with their relatives, the most important stage begins – the safe return to Ukraine.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE RETURN?
At this stage, the main focus is adaptation and psychological recovery. This is the responsibility of our case managers and psychologists.
This period lasts from 3 to 6 months, in line with international standards. After the support phase ends, the local child protection service continues monitoring to ensure the family receives assistance if needed.
IMPORTANT: The return of children is not only the responsibility of parents and professionals, but of the entire society! Together, we are bringing Ukrainian children back home!
After their return, children receive comprehensive support, including psychological rehabilitation, medical care, educational services, and social integration to ensure their well-being and adaptation to peaceful life.
Work of The Ukrainian Child Rights Network after return:
psychological and case manager support for the child and their family;
needs assessment and case management;
organization and provision of humanitarian aid;
support in restoring and issuing documents;
processing of benefits and payments;
referrals to other services if necessary.
If you are aware of a case of deportation or forced displacement of a child, you can contact us in a way that is convenient for you:
submit a request on this page
call: +380 50 015 58 46
send us a direct message on Facebook: The Ukrainian Child Rights Network
write to our email: ucrn.office@gmail.com
You can help by supporting organizations engaged in bringing children back, spreading awareness about the problem, and providing financial or volunteer support to relevant initiatives.
The Ukrainian Child Rights Network is actively working on the return of deported Ukrainian children and their reintegration. You can support this work financially by making a charitable contribution.
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In the conditions of war and Russia’s insidious actions, it is difficult to pave the way for those who remain under occupation and deportation. Thousands of Ukrainian children need our help. The enemy has imposed Russian citizenship on them and created obstacles to reunite these children with their parents and homeland. The Ukrainian Child Rights Network, our partners, and government authorities work every day in synergy to bring Ukrainian children back.
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Коли дитина повертається на територію вільної України після тривалого перебування в окупації або депортації, батькам потрібно докласти зусиль, щоб допомогти їй адаптуватися в нових умовах. Психологи дають кілька ключових порад для батьків та опікунів.
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Етика взаємодії з дітьми, які постраждали внаслідок воєнних дій та збройних конфліктів – рекомендації від експертів
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This page was developed by the Ukrainian Child Rights Network within the framework of the project “The Way Home: A New Route” with the support of SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Deutschland e.V.
The contents of this page are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the position of donors or partners.
