Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine № 585 “On ensuring social protection for children in difficult life circumstances”

The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine № 585 regulates the mechanism for ensuring social protection for children in difficult life circumstances, particularly those who have suffered from maltreatment. The resolution defines the conditions that may negatively affect a child’s health and development, such as disability, homelessness, severe illness, conflicts with the law, dependence on psychoactive substances, domestic violence, and other situations that require social assistance. Special emphasis is placed on protecting children affected by natural disasters, human-made accidents, military actions, or armed conflicts.

According to the resolution, upon identifying difficult life circumstances, a detailed assessment of the needs of the child and their family is conducted. Specifically, for children affected by military actions, a special registration procedure is established, under which social protection authorities must take measures to ensure their safety and provide necessary support. Such children are registered within seven working days of receiving the status of being affected.

To ensure inter-agency collaboration, an interdisciplinary team of specialists has been formed, uniting representatives from various services — social protection, education, healthcare, and law enforcement. Their task is to coordinate actions for providing assistance and developing an individual plan for each child, which includes a comprehensive set of social, psychological, and legal support measures.

This resolution marks a significant step toward creating a comprehensive support system for children facing critical circumstances, involving all available institutions. However, challenges in its implementation remain substantial due to the need for close coordination among local governments, state services, and non-governmental organizations to ensure comprehensive and timely protection for children suffering from crises.