In a step towards ensuring a better future for children from Ukrainian institutional care centres who have been staying in Poland since their evacuation in 2022, Save the Children Poland Director, Bujar Hoxha had a productive meeting with the Deputy Minister of Justice, Ms. Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz on January 18th. The discussions centered around the challenges faced by Ukrainian children living in institutions and the collaborative efforts needed to provide them with a secure and nurturing environment.

Ukrainian children in institutional care often face numerous challenges ranging from inadequate resources, limited access to quality education and healthcare to returns to areas of Ukraine affected by conflict. The meeting with the Deputy Minister of Justice served as a platform to address these issues and explore potential solutions that prioritize the well-being and future prospects of these children. Save the Children Poland emphasized the importance of legal protections and advocacy measures to ensure that the rights of children are upheld, and they are provided with opportunities to thrive. Additionally, the meeting addressed the importance of promoting safe, quality family-based care based on the child's individual needs i desires.

Ms. Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with Save the Children Poland to address the outlined challenges. Both parties recognized the need for sustained efforts, involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the community, to create lasting and impactful change for Ukrainian children in institutional care.

The meeting was also an opportunity to explore prospects for future collaboration, focusing on the exchange of best practices in child protection. This promising collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and Save the Children Poland underscores our shared dedication to ensuring the wellbeing of all children in the country.