A significant meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities took place in Kyiv, attended by representatives from the President's Office and the government.

Among the participants were Andriy Yermak, Viktor Mykyta, Denys Uliutin, and other key officials who discussed important issues regarding the reform of child care systems.

The main focus of the meeting was the transition from institutional care to family-based upbringing. Participants discussed key steps for implementing the strategy to ensure every child's right to grow up in a family environment via video conference. Yermak emphasized the need to prioritize this strategy at the regional level next year.

“This issue remains pressing. It is essential for every region to engage in this effort as we are prepared for any necessary decisions,” stated the head of the President's Office.

They also addressed concerns regarding Ukrainian children under Russian control. The Ministry of Justice has developed a special register to gather information about these children.

“We are talking about over one and a half million children, and we need to know what is happening with them,” Yermak emphasized.

Denys Uliutin highlighted the importance of social workers who must protect the rights of children and their families. He urged communities to establish clear action protocols for cases where children are left without parental care.

“Our goal is to ensure that children grow up in families, not institutions,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Andriy Yermak thanked all participants for their active involvement in implementing the strategy and called for further collaboration with international partners to attract funding.

Legislative initiatives supporting state regional policy and programs to be implemented this year were also discussed.

“A child in a family is our priority. We must continue to move forward,” summarized Iryna Tuliakova.