After simplifying the procedure for crossing the state border by children and persons accompanying them, the Government of Ukraine pays special attention to monitoring the accommodation of children abroad and ensuring their return to Ukraine in the future.

Thus, to organize the evacuation of children to safe areas, including abroad, during an emergency and martial law, the Coordination Center for Assistance to Children and Families with Children has been established.

Under state control, children and persons accompanying them are evacuated to countries that strictly adhere to international law.

No child who is outside Ukraine can be adopted or brought up by foreigners without the consent of Ukraine and compliance with the national legislation. Currently, Ukraine does not consider changing or simplifying the interstate adoption procedure and provides no permits for the adoption of children by foreigners.

Ukraine values the support and assistance of the nations that receive our children and persons accompanying them, provide them with housing, food, clothing, medical services, and psychological support.

The departure of children from Ukraine is a necessary step because Ukraine is concerned, in the first place, about the safety of every child and ensures that no child is left without care. Return of every child to Ukraine will be under special control when the situation returns to normal enough.

During the state of emergency and martial law, orphans, children deprived of parental care and placed in foster families, family-type orphanages, or placed under guardianship, are allowed to leave Ukraine only when they are accompanied by foster parents, caregivers, a guardian, a custodian, or an authorized person. Herewith, it is required to obtain the consent of the custody and guardianship agency or the military administration of Ukraine at the place of actual residence of the children. It ensures the safety of children and simultaneously provides legal support and allows for monitoring the subsequent place of residence of every child.

Children, placed in the caregiver’s family, are allowed to leave Ukraine only when they are accompanied by the caregiver.

Children under 16 are allowed to leave Ukraine when they are accompanied by a parent, a grandparent, an adult brother, sister, stepmother, stepfather, or other person authorized by either parent with a written consent authenticated by the custody and guardianship agency, without a notarized consent of the other parent.

Children from boarding homes of different types and forms of ownership can go abroad in organized groups with accompanying persons. The number of accompanying persons is at least one person for 15 children, and at least one person for 4 children with disabilities.

The decision to allow children from boarding homes to go abroad is made by the director or the substituting director, or by the custody and guardianship agency, or the military administration.