ЗМЕНШЕННЯ КІЛЬКОСТІ ВИПАДКІВ ВІДМОВ БАТЬКІВ ВІД НОВОНАРОДЖЕНИХ ТА ДІТЕЙ РАННЬОГО ВІКУ

REDUCING THE NUMBER OF CASES OF PARENTAL ABANDONMENT OF NEWBORNS AND YOUNG CHILDREN IN MATERNITY HOSPITALS, PERINATAL CENTERS, AND OTHER HEALTHCARE FACILITIES, AND ENSURING EVERY CHILD’S RIGHT TO GROW UP IN A SAFE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT

BACKGROUND

The International Charitable Foundation «Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health» (UFPH) is a leading civil society organisation that has been working in Ukraine for over 20 years in the field of child rights protection and support for vulnerable populations. The organisation implements systemic programmes aimed at the development of social services, support for families with children, prevention of violence and institutionalisation, and the protection of children’s rights.

UFPH has extensive experience in cooperation with public authorities, healthcare institutions, social services, and international partners, implementing comprehensive cross-sectoral approaches based on the principles of the best interests of the child, family-based care, and human rights.

BACKGROUND

Parental abandonment of newborns and young children remains one of the most acute challenges in the field of child rights protection in Ukraine. Despite existing legislative safeguards and certain family support practices, cases of abandonment continue to be recorded in healthcare facilities. These cases are often the result of social vulnerability, psychological crisis, lack of timely support, and insufficient coordination between the healthcare and social protection systems.

The problem has become particularly acute in the context of the full-scale war, which has led to an increase in the number of families facing difficult life circumstances, heightened stress levels, psychosocial distress, and social isolation. In such conditions, healthcare facilities often remain the only point of contact with families at a critical moment. However, professionals do not always have access to clear tools, algorithms, and intersectoral support mechanisms to effectively prevent child abandonment.

Taking these preconditions into account, the International Charitable Foundation «Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health», with the financial support of the Charitable Organization «Lumos Ukraine Charitable Foundation», is implementing the project «Reducing the Number of Cases of Parental Abandonment of Newborns and Young Children in Maternity Hospitals, Perinatal Centers, and Other Healthcare Facilities, and Ensuring Every Child’s Right to Grow Up in a Safe Family Environment». The project aims to provide a systemic response to this challenge by combining analytical work, the development of a social work model, practical tools for professionals, and legal and policy reforms.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project goal: The goal of the project is to reduce the number of cases of parental abandonment of newborns and young children by introducing an integrated social work approach within healthcare facilities, strengthening intersectoral cooperation, and improving the legal and regulatory framework in line with child rights protection principles.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1. To establish a comprehensive analytical base on the causes, contributing factors, and existing response practices related to cases of parental abandonment of newborns and young children in healthcare facilities.
2. To develop an integrated social work model for maternity hospitals, perinatal centers, and other healthcare facilities, aimed at early identification of risks and prevention of child abandonment.
3. To develop a practical toolkit for healthcare and social service professionals (including algorithms, protocols, checklists, and guidelines) to enhance the quality and timeliness of support provided to families in crisis situations.
4. To prepare a package of legal and policy recommendations to improve state policy and interagency mechanisms for preventing child abandonment and ensuring every child’s right to family-based care.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This project is implemented by the International Charitable Foundation «Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health» with the support of the Charitable Organization «Lumos Ukraine Charitable Foundation».

Project implementation period: December 2025 – May 2026.

For additional information about the project or if you are interested in partnership opportunities, please contact the Foundation’s Executive Director, Halyna Skipalska (e-mail: Halyna.Skipalska@healthright.org), or the Project Coordinator, Larysa Stylnikova (e-mail: Larysa.Stylnikova@healthright.org).

For more information, please visit www.healthright.org.ua and follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealthRightUkraine/

DISCLAIMER

Project «Reducing the Number of Cases of Parental Abandonment of Newborns and Young Children in Maternity Hospitals, Perinatal Centers, and Other Healthcare Facilities, and Ensuring Every Child’s Right to Grow Up in a Safe Family Environment», implemented by the International Charitable Foundation «Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health» with financial support from the Charitable Organization «Lumos Ukraine Charitable Foundation»