UNICEF to deploy 45 specialists to assess needs of Kyiv families with children with disabilities

Ahead of the cold season, social support for families raising children with disabilities is being strengthened in Kyiv. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is joining this initiative by sending 45 case managers to the capital. Their task is to assess the needs of specific families and determine exactly what assistance they require.

Priority categories and areas of focus

Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration (KCMA) Marina Khonda announced the plans to implement the programme following consultations with representatives of the international organisation. According to her, priority attention is required for families raising children with disabilities in sub-group A, as well as children with Group I disabilities.

Particular attention will be paid to districts that suffered from Russian shelling of thermal power plants last winter. As the official noted, for families caring for children with disabilities, preparation for the cold period may require additional resources and support.

«Окрему увагу приділимо районам, які минулої зими постраждали внаслідок російських обстрілів теплоелектроцентралей. Для родин, які доглядають за дітьми з інвалідністю, підготовка до холодного періоду може потребувати додаткових ресурсів і підтримки», — наголосила Марина Хонда. (We will pay particular attention to the districts that suffered from Russian shelling of thermal power plants last winter. For families caring for children with disabilities, preparation for the cold period may require additional resources and support), Marina Khonda emphasised.

Mechanism of assistance provision

UNICEF specialists will communicate directly with families, study their needs, and determine what specific support they require. Based on the results of this assessment, the UN Children's Fund will be able to provide material assistance for the purchase of necessary items to those families in the most difficult circumstances.

Decisions regarding the type and purpose of assistance will be made individually, taking into account the specifics of the situation in each particular family.

Marina Khonda also expressed gratitude to Kenan Madi, Head of UNICEF's humanitarian programme in Ukraine, and the organisation's representatives for systematic cooperation and support for capital families.

It was previously reported that Kyiv is preparing for possible prolonged electricity and heating outages in winter. Over 200,000 residents of the capital have been added to the lists of people who may require temporary relocation. This includes people with disabilities, citizens with limited mobility, and families with children with disabilities. The KCMA emphasised that relocation is possible only with the consent of the individuals.