This statement is available on the website of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network, a long-term partner of the Ministry of Reintegration.

Guardianship is usually exercised by relatives who become the child’s legal representatives until the child reaches the age of majority. For children between the ages of 14 and 18, the term “guardianship” is used.

A guardian or custodian for a child may be a relative (considering personal relationships and ability to perform duties) or a person with full civil capacity. If yet to be appointed, the responsible guardianship and custody authority will take care of the child.

Children in specialized educational, health, or social welfare institutions are under the care or custody of the institution.

To obtain guardianship or custody, you must complete the following steps:

1. Collect and submit documents to the Department of Children’s Services.
2. Verification of documents and living conditions (up to 5 days).
3. Training of potential guardians who are not relatives of the child (72-hour course).
4. Submitting a decision to the Commission for the Protection of Children’s Rights on the appropriateness of guardianship of a particular child.
5. Preparation of the decision of the guardianship and custody authority.
6. Adoption of the child into the family.