More than 160 thousand families with children with disabilities may receive new social guarantees: what changes are being prepared

More than 160 thousand Ukrainian families raising children with disabilities may receive guaranteed state support and new opportunities for socialization. Members of parliament and relevant ministries are coordinating the final model of financing social services for such families within draft law No. 14191, which aims to introduce a unified European standard of social services for families raising children with disabilities.

The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy emphasizes that the state must guarantee a uniform standard of social services for all children with disabilities regardless of their place of residence. This concerns, in particular, early intervention, child assistant services, and support in educational institutions.

During the preparation of the draft law for the second reading, discussions with the Cabinet of Ministers continue regarding the financing model for such services. In particular, the Ministry of Finance draws attention to European practice, according to which similar services are often financed from local budgets. At the same time, the committee stresses that in Ukrainian realities the financial capacity of communities differs significantly.

The committee notes that some large cities could already finance the needs of such families from local budgets. However, in smaller communities, due to budget deficits, this is often impossible. As a result, inequality arises when children in some communities receive the necessary assistance, while in others the corresponding services remain only on paper.

Committee members believe that such inequality must be eliminated through state financing. This will ensure equal access for all children with disabilities to necessary social services regardless of their place of residence. At the same time, mechanisms for mutual settlements and compensations between state and local budgets should be regulated at the level of relevant authorities.

Another controversial issue during the preparation of the draft law remains control over the use of budget funds. The committee is convinced that social assistance should be provided without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and additional on-site inspections, which often become psychologically difficult for parents of children with disabilities.

At the same time, it is acknowledged that isolated cases of ineffective use of funds may occur. However, it is emphasized that these are families who objectively need financial and social support, so assistance should be provided with respect for their work and life circumstances, without excessive bureaucratic pressure.

Special attention in the draft law is given to changing the approach to state support for such families. It concerns creating conditions under which parents, especially mothers of children with disabilities, can combine child care with professional activity and not lose the right to relevant payments and social services.

The initiative is also aimed at developing family forms of upbringing and support for children with disabilities. It is planned to create conditions under which children can be raised in families rather than in institutional care, and their parents will have the opportunity to lead a full life and remain economically active.

Currently, the positions of parliamentarians and relevant ministries are being coordinated to bring draft law No. 14191 to the Verkhovna Rada session hall for final voting.

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