There is money, but services are lacking: the Rada explained why payments will not replace rehabilitation for children with disabilities
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy supports the need to expand the list of social services for children with disabilities and their families, as provided by draft law No. 14191. At the same time, discussions are ongoing regarding some of the proposed changes.
The committee noted that one of the main arguments of the bill's opponents is the significant need for additional funding. However, they emphasize that the development of quality social services requires not only budgetary resources but also the creation of appropriate infrastructure, new services, and the training of qualified specialists.
They also pointed out that one of the key challenges remains the shortage of personnel in the social services sector, particularly a lack of psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, social workers, assistants, and early intervention specialists.
The committee further stressed that social services should not be evaluated solely through the lens of budget expenditures. In their opinion, unlike direct social payments, such services provide opportunities for development, rehabilitation, socialization, and education of children with disabilities.
It is noted that social services are a long-term investment in human potential, independence, and the quality of life of families, and the results of such investments are felt over many years.
Additionally, the committee drew attention to the data on the execution of the state budget for 2025. According to the committee, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity did not use over UAH 1.7 billion allocated for programs related to the development of social services and support for children with disabilities. In particular, more than UAH 157 million remained unused for comprehensive development and care services for children with disabilities, over UAH 64 million for early intervention, and over UAH 545 million for rehabilitation services.
The Tax Committee believes that these figures indicate the need not only to increase funding but also to improve service accessibility, develop the network of providers, and remove barriers that hinder the effective use of already allocated funds.
Earlier, the "Judicial and Legal Newspaper" wrote that more than 160,000 Ukrainian families raising children with disabilities may receive guaranteed state support and new opportunities for socialization.
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