The purpose of Maria Lvova-Belova’s visit to the DPR was to review the implementation of family preservation practices. At the Rodnichok specialised children’s care facility in Donetsk, the commissioner met with two new mothers, both of whom wish to reunite with their children, although they lack conditions for that. The problem could be resolved by opening a co-living section for parents and children in crisis situations, where they could receive professional family assistance. The commissioner said there is an agreement with the facility management to consider such an opportunity. Children’s personal files were reviewed at the social and rehabilitation centre in Gorlovka, and many of the children will soon return home.
Maria Lvova-Belova also had a meeting with the senior managers of institutions involved in social orphanhood prevention. She noted that the primary recommendation for organisations in the DPR is to establish semi-institutional forms of family assistance. An interagency board will be set up before the end of the year to address matters related to institutional child care.
The children’s commissioner visited children at the Republican Traumatology, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery Centre in Donetsk. One of the patients, aged 15, was hospitalised after stepping on a scatterable anti-personnel landmine. Director of the centre’s children’s department Yevgeny Zhilitsyn managed to save his foot. Another young patient, who was injured during a Grad shelling, was also recovering. Ms Lvova-Belova brought New Year and Christmas gifts to the children and wished them a speedy recovery.
Maria Lvova-Belova also met with families living in the region to learn about the support measures they need and to hold in-person sessions with parents in crisis. Eleven families will receive additional assistance to help them overcome life’s difficulties.
In the Kherson Region, the children’s rights commissioner visited a facility for people with mental and neurological disorders, where children with disabilities are transferred from children’s institutions once they reach the age of 18. Maria Lvova-Belova learned about the facility’s essential needs and discussed the prospects of assisted living facilities with senior management. The commissioner also handed over humanitarian aid.