In the Chuguiv community, active work is underway to implement a social day care service for children with disabilities. Currently, there are 168 families in the community raising children with disabilities. The social day care service is an important step towards ensuring equal rights for children.
The social service of day care for children with disabilities is one of the basic social services that should be developed in the territorial community, in accordance with the needs of children with disabilities and children who are not diagnosed with disabilities, but who have serious illnesses, disorders, injuries, and conditions. The service should be provided as close as possible to their place of residence. This is emphasized by the expert on the organization of day care services, Hanna Khvorova, who provides communities with supervisory support for the implementation of such a service on the ground within the framework of the project «Minimum package of integrated social services for families with children.
In the Chuhuiv community, systematic working group meetings are held with the participation of not only representatives of the social sphere, but also representatives of local authorities, the public sector, etc. During such meetings, in particular, preparations for the provision of day care services are discussed.
«"The community day care service will be provided by the Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Children with Disabilities "Shans". The center has been registered as a provider of this social service, has prepared premises that are accessible and comfortable. Finalization of changes to the center's regulations is underway."«, – said Olena Bulgakova, local coordinator of the project «Minimum Package of Integrated Social Services for Families with Children» in the Chuhuyiv community.
It has been previously determined that two groups of 4 hours will work. 15 parents have already expressed their desire to use this service. After all, the day care service for children with disabilities promotes the development and socialization of children under the supervision of qualified specialists, and also provides support to families in solving social issues and training family members who are raising a child with disabilities. The center already has three specialists who will provide the specified service.
According to Olena Bulgakova, the premises are currently being renovated, and it is necessary to purchase certain equipment, teaching materials, and games. With the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the kitchen has already been equipped and the necessary equipment has been purchased.
The Ukrainian Network for Children's Rights in the Chuhuiv community has conducted dozens of trainings, exercises, and expert consultations. Social workers within the project constantly provide supervisory support from experts to strengthen the community's capacity to provide social services.
Together we are moving towards providing a day care service for children with disabilities. Very soon we will be able to share news about how and who can use the new service in the community. The introduction of a day care service opens up new opportunities for children with disabilities and their families, contributing to their adaptation and development in the community.
Support for the community to strengthen its capacity in the development of social services is provided within the framework of the project “Minimum Package of Integrated Social Services for Families with Children”, which is implemented by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) UNICEF Ukraine and a Consortium of Partner Organizations with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the German Development Bank (KFW). The consortium includes: Ukrainian Network for Child Rights, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine, NGO “Social Synergy” and Ukrainian Educational Platform.