The project aimed to help reduce the number of cases in which parents abandon newborns and young children, while strengthening support for families facing difficult life circumstances.
To identify effective solutions, our team explored the reasons behind parental decisions to abandon a child, the factors that increase the risk of child abandonment, and whether families are able to access timely and appropriate support. Particular attention was paid to the coordination between healthcare institutions, social services, and other organizations that provide assistance to families in crisis.
The research covered the Lviv, Zhytomyr, and Mykolaiv regions and was based on qualitative research methods. We conducted focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and an online survey to gather insights from healthcare and social service professionals, representatives of civil society organizations, law enforcement officials, and parents from vulnerable groups.
Based on the findings, we developed practical recommendations to improve family support services and strengthen cooperation between various agencies. These recommendations were subsequently used by the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health to design and pilot an integrated social work model for women and families at risk of child abandonment. The model helps provide timely support to families during crises, prevent family separation, and uphold every child’s right to grow up in a safe family environment.
Other researches
Impact evaluation of the project “Improving HIV treatment adherence of HIV+ and at-risk women through holistic emergency support and care during the Ukraine humanitarian crisis”
