nally.
Another notable difference in the Polish system is the focus on reuniting the child with their biological parents. Foster families are required to work with the biological parents according to a plan coordinated with a social assistant.
“In Poland, there’s a quite high percentage of children being returned to their biological families. Foster parents told us how they work with the biological family: they meet, have tea, talk, help the biological parents find jobs, assist them in getting medical treatment if needed. They parent not only children but also the parents of the children who end up in their families. It’s their duty; it’s prescribed for them, and they get paid for it,” Victoria shared.
She considers Poland’s creation of family courts that operate 24/7 as a significant achievement. During the court proceedings, a curatorial service is involved, helping to gather information about the child’s surroundings and the impact on their life. There is a judge on duty who can resolve placement issues for a child at any time, even at night. Victoria is convinced that Ukraine needs judicial reform and the creation of family courts.
The founder of the charitable foundation believes that Ukraine can adopt Poland’s experience in arranging children in foster families and change the system of family upbringing.
“State level action is needed; family courts need to be established, and a powerful advertising campaign needs to be conducted for several years. This advertising campaign should last for 3-4 years to change society’s mindset,” Victoria says.