Is it possible to obtain the status of a child of war now?

In Ukraine, there are no prescribed grounds for assigning the status of "child of war" to children who witnessed or suffered as a result of hostilities from 2014 to today. However, their social protection is guaranteed by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 268 "On approval of the Procedure for granting the status of a child who suffered as a result of military operations and armed conflicts."

All children who have not reached the age of 18 at the time of the anti-terrorist operation and measures to ensure national security and defense have the right to receive this status.

In addition, status guarantees are provided to minors who:

• suffered injury, contusion, mutilation;

• became victims of physical or sexual violence;

• were stolen or illegally taken outside Ukraine;

• participated in the actions of paramilitary or armed formations;

• were in illegal detention, in particular, in captivity;

• suffered psychological violence.

You can get the status by contacting the guardianship and guardianship authorities at the place of registration or actual residence. It is important to collect a complete package of documents and indicate the circumstances that negatively affected the child's health and development.

Up to the age of 14, the application can be submitted by parents, relatives, guardians or custodians, after the age of 14, the child has the right to independently apply to the guardianship and guardianship authorities.

The decision to assign the status is made within 30 calendar days from the moment of registration of the application, after consideration by the commission for the protection of children's rights and verification of the necessary documents.