The corresponding Regional program for reforming the system of institutional care and upbringing of children was approved during the plenary meeting of the seventeenth session of the Regional Council of the Seventh Convocation.

Olga Shevchenko, Head of the Children's Affairs Department of HOGA, explained that the purpose of the program is, in particular, the formation of such a system that will ensure the child's right to reside, care and education in a family or conditions as close to family as possible, access to quality social, educational, medical services.

"So, the program provides for the creation of foster families. These are families where children who are left without parental care, or in a difficult situation, and the like, will be sent temporarily.. Earlier, we sent such children to the centers of social and psychological rehabilitation. But this is difficult for children, because they find themselves in unusual conditions for themselves, away from home. In the foster family the child will be sent to the place of residence. In particular, it will allow to go to the same school, communicate with friends, "- said Olga Shevchenko.

According to her information, since the region took part in the pilot project to create foster families, there are already 6 in the region - in Zmievsky, Chuguev, Pervomaisky, Dergachevsky, Borovsky districts and. Pervomaisky.

The program also provides for the creation of small group houses where no more than 10 children with the status of "orphan" can be residing, "deprived of parental care".

"Conditions in such a house will be close to family. There will be several educators. This form is envisaged for children from about 14 years old, who are already quite independent, but they find it difficult to get into families, "said Olga Shevchenko.

In addition, it is planned that the implementation of the program will allow increasing the number of children with special educational needs covered by inclusive education each year, ensuring that in each territorial community children and families with children have access to services in accordance with their needs, and will also increase the number of children provided with housing each year - children, children deprived of parental care, and persons from their number who are on the apartment account.