Solutions from Ukraine: Ukraine unveils new care model for children who need palliative care
What is the problem?
Today, hundreds of orphans and children deprived of parental care in Ukraine need palliative care. At the same time, the current system does not provide them with a continuous and comprehensive pathway of support.
"A child who has a family returns home after their condition stabilizes. A child without a family also needs a place they can call home. They should not have to remain in limbo between hospitalizations, moving from one institution to another. This is the gap we propose to address with the new model," Uliutin said.
What is the solution?
The proposed model provides two options for children with less intensive needs: a specialized foster family or a "Home of Care" if placing the child with a family is currently not possible.
The concept was developed by a working group established at the initiative of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, with the involvement of medical professionals.
The concept was presented as part of the "Butterflies of Hope" Summit, dedicated to the development of pediatric palliative care. The summit brought together specialists, government representatives, professionals from the healthcare and social sectors, civil society organizations, and people who work every day with children requiring special support.
How does it work?
"Home of Care" — a family-like environment
"Home of Care" is a social service providing permanent residence and care in conditions as close to a family environment as possible. Between six and 12 children will live at one address, with no more than two children per room. The home will also include spaces for play and spending time together.
Children will receive assistance in meeting their basic needs, psychological and emotional support, support for developing functional independence and communication skills, rehabilitation services, opportunities for socialization and participation in community life. Another important task will be representing the child's interests and coordinating with other services.
"Home of Care" will employ family caregivers and social workers, while round-the-clock nursing supervision will be provided by two nurses who are employees of a healthcare facility and will work at the home under an agreement with the social service provider.
Medical care, meanwhile, should be provided at the child's place of residence. If necessary, the child will be able to receive inpatient treatment and, once their condition stabilizes, return to their permanent home.
Continuity of care — from the region to the community
The new model provides for a division of responsibilities between the healthcare and social systems. At the regional level, there should be children's hospitals, medical rehabilitation and palliative care centers or children's hospices, as well as respiratory support centers. The "Home of Care" is also planned to be established at this level.
At the community level, there will be family doctors, mobile palliative and rehabilitation care, early intervention, and social services. Case management will also be provided to ensure that a designated person can oversee the child's entire care pathway and coordinate the work of different services.
The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity will pilot the "Home of Care" model and plans to subsequently establish it as a nationwide social service.
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26 of September 2026
