Institutional provision of child welfare in Ukraine and Sweden

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Institutional provision of child welfare in Ukraine and Sweden

Chernysh O.A. Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, Dean of the Pedagogical Technologies and Lifelong Learning Faculty; Zhalinska I.V., Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor at the Department of Business, Management and Marketing Technologies; Pryshchepa Ye.V., Bachelor's student, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University

This article has examined the impact of the russian war against Ukraine on the need for social services for children and the work and development of institutions for children in Ukraine and Sweden. The overview of the concept of "well-being" in the scientific literature in terms of defining its crucial features has been carried out. Economic, socio-psychological, and political approaches have been defined as the main ones for conducting the research. Herewith the political approach has been determined as a legislative framework for the development of all other approaches. The state's role in ensuring children's well-being through laws, regulations, and international conventions has been analyzed. The legislative framework for children's rights, health, and well-being including national and international levels in Ukraine and Sweden as well as differences between the two countries have been reviewed. The challenges related to the temporary need for special care for children, the placement of refugee children, and the growing risks for children in the war zone have been considered.

Adjustments of institutions, programs, and initiatives that concern the safety and care of children under Russian aggression have been highlighted. Instances of such kind of activities have been provided. The growth of the role of volunteer organizations under military actions has been emphasized. Providing social work through an international charity fund "Caritas" in Ukraine as well as in Sweden also has been considered. Sweden's role in supporting Ukrainian refugees and its experience in ensuring the well-being of children have been outlined. Particularly, specific features of the institutional provision of child welfare, the structure of family centers, and social and family support in Sweden have been delineated. Various initiatives in the field of social security for Ukrainian refugees promoted by Sweden including significant humanitarian, civilian support, and financial assistance have been considered.

Key words: institutional provision, children, welfare, challenges, Ukraine, Sweden.

Інституціональне забезпечення благополуччя дітей в Україні та Швеції

Черниш О., Жалінська І., Прищепа Є.

У статті розглянуто вплив кризової ситуації, викликаної збройним конфліктом в Україні, на потреби соціальних послуг для дітей, роботу та розвиток інституцій у справах дітей в Україні та Швеції. Здійснено огляд поняття «благополуччя» в науковій літературі з точки зору визначення його найважливіших ознак. Основними для проведення дослідження визначено економічний, соціально-психологічний та політичний підходи. При цьому політичний підхід визначено як законодавчу базу для розвитку всіх інших підходів. Проаналізовано роль держави в забезпеченні благополуччя дітей через закони, нормативні акти та міжнародні конвенції. Розглянуто законодавчу базу щодо прав, здоров'я та благополуччя дітей, включаючи національний та міжнародний рівні в Україні та Швеції, а також відмінності між двома країнами. Розглянуто виклики, пов'язані з тимчасовою потребою в особливому догляді за дітьми, розміщенням дітей-біженців, зростаючими ризиками для дітей у зоні конфлікту. Висвітлено зміни в установах, програмах та ініціативах, які стосуються безпеки та догляду за дітьми в умовах російської агресії. Наведені приклади такої діяльності.

Підкреслено зростання ролі волонтерських організацій під час військових дій. Розглянуто також надання соціальної роботи через міжнародний благодійний фонд «Карітас» в Україні та у Швеції. Окреслено роль Швеції у підтримці українських біженців та її досвід у забезпеченні благополуччя дітей. Зокрема, розглянуто унікальність інституційного забезпечення опіки над дітьми, структуру сімейних центрів та соціальної та сімейної підтримки у Швеції. Розглянуто різноманітні ініціативи у сфері соціального забезпечення для українських біженців, які просуває Швеція, включаючи значну гуманітарну, цивільну підтримку та фінансову допомогу.

Ключові слова: інституційне забезпечення, діти, благополуччя, виклики, Україна, Швеція.

Topicality

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups during the war. They may experience physical, psychological, and social injuries, lose their parents, and be separated from their families. The russian war against Ukraine increased the need for the protection and support of children not only within the state but also abroad. The war made it necessary to revise the principles of the work of social services in Ukraine, including the institutional mechanisms for providing such services. At the same time, similar work is taking place in countries that accept Ukrainian refugees and which, accordingly, must also adjust their work. Sweden is one country that actively accepts refugees and migrants, including children affected by the war.

Although the country has a highly developed system of social protection and support for children, it also faces the challenges of the war, particularly in the context of the growing number of migrant children and the diversity of their needs. Possible differences in approaches and implementation of institutional support services in both countries create opportunities for comparing and exchanging experiences.

Previous studies

As a relatively young country, Ukraine has yet to reach the appropriate level of institutional provision for children's well-being, which developed countries such as Sweden have. In particular, the challenges of the war led to changes, including the development of institutions and bodies for children. It is worth noting that the issue of ensuring children's well-being is of scientific interest to domestic researchers. In this connection, we can cite the work of M. V. Kravchenko and K. S. Mishchenko (2017), which considered the formation and development of the state policy of childhood protection, studied the sequence of adoption of necessary legislative acts, highlighted the problems that exist in this area, and proposed possible ways of solving them. I.M. Smirnov's report (2022) draws attention to the problem of orphanhood, the need for social protection of children in Ukraine, and coordination between authorities and self-government. It describes the regional strategic action plan for reforming the institutional care system and children's upbringing. The work of L.F. Kryvachuk (2011) is aimed at considering the issues of providing state assistance to families with children and the functioning of children's social services and institutions, particularly in Sweden. However, research on the issue of institutional provision of children's well-being in Ukraine and Sweden, their approaches, connections, and experience in war conditions needs to be presented, which determines the relevance of this article.

Purpose

Determining the features of institutional provision of children's well-being in Ukraine and Sweden, their comparison and development in wartime conditions.

The russian war against Ukraine causes a growing need for social services for citizens. The military actions destroy not only the usual living conditions of children, worsen their psychological state, and affect adults' ability to provide children with the necessary care. Children, as one of the most vulnerable segments of the population, need special attention, support, and protection, which, in turn, are provided by parents and institutions.

The concept of "well-being" is widely considered in the scientific literature and is the subject of interest of scientists in various fields of knowledge. According to the results of the study of professional literature, it is worth outlining certain factors of the formation of children's well-being. Thus, experts emphasize that the well-being of children depends on the well-being of their parents and other caregivers. Parents or caregivers must first care for themselves to have the inner resources to care for their children ("Emotional Support", 2020). Well-being is a multifactorial construct representing a complex relationship of cultural, social, psychological, physical, economic, and spiritual factors (Vlasova & Gulenko, 2014, p. 30). Human well-being is an integral indicator of its functioning, its viability in the world, mutual influences, and mutual enrichment of individual manifestations, aspects, and aspects of its activity (Rudomino-Dusyats'ka, 2018, p. 94). K. Riff (1995) characterized this concept as positive personality functioning. She proposed a six-component theory of psychological well-being, which consists of competence, autonomy, self-perception, personal growth, and positive emotions. The term "well-being" is used in philosophy to describe anything good for someone, the so-called intrinsic or fundamental goods of well-being, instead of merely instrumental things (Chappell & Meissner, 2023).

Bradburn N. (1969) defines the concept of psychological well-being as a balance between two complexes of emotions: positive and negative, which accumulate throughout life. The difference between positive and negative affect indicates psychological well-being and reflects the general satisfaction or dissatisfaction with life. Social and psychological factors of well-being include the safety and comfort of the home environment; an atmosphere of love characterized by family joys, closeness, and harmony; openness and trustworthiness of interpersonal relationships; parental control and inclusion in children's lives; feeling of significance in the family; family support of relationships with people and children's activities outside the family (Joronen & Astedt-Kurki, 2005).

Thus, the concept of well-being is multifaceted and has several approaches, among which economic and socio-psychological are most often considered. However, in analyzing the institutional provision of children's well-being, it is also worth noting the political approach as a legislative framework that determines the development of all other ones.

The legislative framework's formation and development for ensuring children's well-being occurs at the state level. In Ukraine, some laws concern the protection of children's rights, health, and well-being, in particular, "On the protection of childhood," "On the foundations of social protection of children and youth in Ukraine," "On the protection of childhood from violence," etc. Ukraine is a member of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights. Sweden is also a party to the last two conventions and, unlike Ukraine, to the 1924 Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child. In the Declaration of the Rights of the Child of 1959, it is stated that a child should, in any case, grow up in an atmosphere of love, and moral and material support (Principle 6).

Providing such benefits as access to food, clothing, accommodation, education, and medical care are the fundamental factors of children's material (economic sphere) well-being.

Certain institutions ensure all the above factors of children's well-being at the state level. It is worth noting that volunteer organizations, which under normal circumstances were not decisive, began to play an essential role during the war. Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine has made adjustments to the number and activities of such institutions, programs, and initiatives regarding the safety and care of children. The war made it necessary to raise and solve the special requests of children, including providing them with proper custody and care at the state and interstate level, at the level of policies and systems, and at the level of individual work with children. Among the current problems, we can mention the following: the potential temporary need for alternative care; the availability of accommodation, including on the territory or near border crossing points, when children are on the way or have already arrived at their destination in the receiving countries; the increasing risks of staying in residential institutions, especially those located in the zone of active hostilities; increasing the burden on existing services for children in Ukraine and the countries where displaced children are staying (Global Collaborative Platform on Transforming Children's Care [GCP], 2023).

Providing child protection and guardianship services is regulated by legislation establishing requirements for quality, safety, and permission to operate such institutions. On August 27, 2004, the authorities of Ukraine approved the General Regulation on social service centers for Families, Children, and Youth, the primary purpose of which was to provide psychological, socio-pedagogical, socio-medical, socio-economic, informational, and legal services to families and children and young people. However, instead of these centers, since December 23, 2020, the National Social Service of Ukraine has been operating in Ukraine, which implements the state policy in the field of social protection of the population, protection of children's rights, implementation of state control over compliance with the requirements of legislation during the provision of social support, and compliance with children's rights ("National Service Service", 2023). An example of the implementation of the above provisions and the activities of services at the level of local self-government is the "Otradne Children's Town" project of the "Social Assistance Service" charity fund in the city of Kharkiv. It is dedicated to the prevention of social orphanhood, the adaptation of families of displaced persons and participants of the anti-terrorist operation in the east of Ukraine to new conditions, the acquisition of new social ties, and opportunities for integration into society. The town consists of 5 family-type children's homes, where conditions are created, as close as possible to family ones, for orphans and children deprived of parental care ("Kharkiv Regional Charitable Fund", 2016).

In Ukraine, there is also an international charity fund, "Caritas," which assists children affected by the war in Ukraine and other countries. Its purpose is to develop and implement national programs to provide social assistance and support to the neediest population, regardless of nationality or religion. The fund provides children with medical care, housing, food, and other needs. "Caritas of Ukraine" conducts campaigns and fundraising initiatives to help children, particularly those affected by the war in eastern Ukraine. For economic support, the fund regularly announces tenders, purchases, and contests for granting grants. The organization cooperates with international partners and participants in charity projects to help children in difficult circumstances. The Caritas Internationalis confederation is a member of the Conference of the International Catholic Organization of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," which has consultative status in UNESCO and other organizations of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Organization of African Unity, and also cooperates with the structures of the European Union ("Caritas Ukraine"). The international Caritas family includes more than 160 national organizations in more than 200 countries, including Sweden. "Caritas Sweden" mainly focuses on three areas of activity: local congregations; working with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of human trafficking; and fees for various aid projects abroad. In its work with migrants and refugees, Caritas has two main directions: practical help and support for those fleeing and long-term impact work at both the national and international levels. Fundraising for various aid projects abroad is an essential part of the work carried out by Caritas Sweden. All people affected by natural disasters, victims of armed conflicts, forced to leave their homes, who do not have enough food, or who live in poverty have the right to receive humanitarian support at the center ("Caritas Sverige").

The activity of an international non-governmental organization "Save the Children" the main purpose of which is to provide assistance and support to children in developing countries is worth mentioning as well. They reported supporting 436,529 Ukrainian children with humanitarian aid and basic services within the period from February 24, 2022, to the end of 2022. In 2022, they worked in some directions, such as financial support, child protection, education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as partnership assistance given in collaboration with other institutions. In particular, the organization with its partners supported 17 child-friendly spaces throughout Ukraine, where girls and boys can communicate, play, and be children again. Specialists provided psychological support and helped children cope with their experiences. Also, Save the Children created 32 digital learning centers so there was an opportunity for children to continue their studies and have access to online classes. For now, Save the Children keeps working in Ukraine supporting existing programs and developing other ones (Save the Children, 2022).

We have already mentioned the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Sweden. Despite Sweden's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, there are areas for improvement in legislation and practice. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which monitors compliance with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, has repeatedly criticized Sweden. The long-term work of the country's authorities on improving national legislation contributed to the fact that the Convention on the Rights of the Child became part of Swedish legislation on January 1,2020.

Sweden is noted for its high quality of life, particularly its social protection system. Sweden's institutional child welfare system is one of the most developed in the world, providing a wide range of social services and support for children.

The specific feature of the institutional provision of child welfare in Sweden is a greater emphasis on the medical component and includes first-line psychiatry for children and youth (receptions are available in most regions; they can be found, for example, at a polyclinic or a pediatrician), a children's center (BVC) for children up to six years old, health care center, pediatrician's office. The child's attending physician can write a referral to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (BUP) if the child needs psychiatric care.

The institutional structure of Sweden has better-developed mechanisms of cooperation between different institutions than Ukraine. Therefore, well-established communication and coordination channels, exchange of data and information, and unification of institutions for influential work on common goals are things that Ukraine can improve within the state, relying on Sweden's experience.

In Sweden, the structure of family centers and social and family support is firmly built. For example, the "Family Center," where support is provided to parents and the child in the midwifery center, childcare center, open preschool, counseling and support from social services, and other departments for adults and children ("Family Center"). Ukraine can expand the structure and network of family centers because it is developed only from medical services.

Taking responsibility for Russia's violations of international law is a central issue for the Swedish government. Sweden supports several different initiatives in the field of social security for Ukrainian refugees. For many years, the country has been providing significant assistance to Ukraine in reform cooperation and humanitarian support. Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has contributed more than SEK 4.6 billion in humanitarian and civilian support (March 24, 2023). This includes, among others, increased aid through support for humanitarian organizations, support for the advancement of women's empowerment and rights, and civilian crisis management in the form of donations such as medical equipment, fire protection, generators, and tents. Persons aged 16 and over who have been granted a residence permit with temporary protection under the Mass Refugee Directive are eligible to work in Sweden ("Sweden helps Ukraine", 2022).

It must be emphasized that Sweden's Government has also developed a long-term strategy aimed at Ukraine's recovery for 2023-2027. The strategy will provide a total of approximately EUR 522 million (SEK 6 billion) and is Sweden's largest-ever bilateral development assistance strategy. In particular, the officials argue that the main focus will be not only on recovering and developing but also on reforming and modernizing. The strategy will contribute to Ukraine's EU integration and strengthen its freedom, resilience, and economic prosperity. The strategy includes areas where Sweden is at the forefront, such as the green transition, social issues, and digital transformation (Government Offices of Sweden, 2023).

well-being children sweden war

Conclusions

Ukraine faced an unprecedented crisis - war and its challenges. This has led to a growing need for social services for children. The war negatively affects the living conditions of children and their psychological state and complicates the provision of proper care. The concept of children's well-being primarily depends on the well-being of parents and includes a multifactorial construct in which political (legislative), economic, and socio-psychological aspects are decisive. The state ensures the well-being of children through laws, regulations, and international conventions. Children's material and psychological well-being are important aspects that require steps from parents, society, and the state. Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine has forced special attention to problems related to special requests of children, placement of refugee children, and increased risks for children in war zones or residential institutions. The legislation of Ukraine regulates the process of providing child protection and guardianship services. The National Social Service of Ukraine is responsible for implementing state policy in the field of social protection and protecting children's rights. In Ukraine, there are charitable organizations that assist children, for example, the "Social Assistance Service" charitable foundation, which opened the "Otradne Children's Town" project in Kharkiv, "Caritas of Ukraine," "Save the Children", which are international charitable foundations and provide assistance to children who affected by the war. These projects aim to prevent social orphanhood, adaptation of displaced persons to new conditions, provide social rehabilitation to children, and provide psychological support, medical assistance, and educational support.

Ukraine and other countries receiving displaced children, including Sweden, are facing a growing burden on existing services for children. Sweden pays excellent attention to taking responsibility for violations of international law by Russia and supports social security for Ukrainian refugees. At the legal level, the country is a party to the Geneva Convention on the Rights of the Child. Due to the authorities' efforts, in 2020, Swedish legislation included the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A specific feature of the institutional provision of child welfare in Sweden is the focus on the medical component, particularly the availability of first-line psychiatry, children's centers, health care centers, and pediatricians' offices. In addition, the country has a well-structured network of family centers and social and family support. Sweden actively promotes various initiatives in the field of social security for Ukrainian refugees, providing significant humanitarian and civilian support to Ukraine, including financial assistance. Since Sweden has a developed social protection system and a high level of children's well-being, its experience can be an example for Ukraine in improving institutional structures and developing services to ensure the safety and support of children.

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