The bloody Russian war has left a deep mark on the lives of thousands of Ukrainian children. It has torn them away from a normal childhood, filling each day with fear and loss. Restoring justice and supporting our little citizens is not just a state duty but also a societal moral imperative. The state is doing everything possible to ensure the protection of affected children, including providing them with a special status.

Who Can Obtain the War Child Status in Ukraine

The war child status can be granted to every underage child who:

1. Is a citizen of Ukraine.
2. Was on the territory of the state at the beginning of the war.
3. Has suffered as a result of the war.

Children falling into the category of those affected by the war include:

• Children who have experienced physical or mental violence, cruel treatment, or exploitation.
• Children who have lost one or both parents due to the war.
• Children who have lost their homes or were forced to leave them due to the war.
• Children who have been injured or disabled as a result of the war.
• Children who have become internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Documents Required for Obtaining the Status

To apply for the war child status, the following documents are needed:

1. Application for granting the status.
2. Copy of the child’s birth certificate.
3. Documents proving the circumstances and consequences of the negative impact of the war.
4. Documents confirming the fact of displacement or residence in the combat zone.
5. Other necessary documents if required.

Documents confirming the circumstances and consequences of the negative impact of the war on the child may include:

• Certificates of injuries, trauma, or disability of the child.
• Certificates of the death or missing status of the child’s parents.
• Certificates of the destruction of housing or the forced evacuation of the child from their place of residence.
• Other documents confirming facts entitling the child to obtain the war child status.

Where to Submit Documents

To obtain the war child status, one needs to contact the local guardianship and custody authorities. Document submission can be done in person or through the legal representative of the child. There is also an option to send all the necessary extracts by mail if personal presence is not possible.

Document Processing Time

The processing time for documents to grant the war child status varies depending on the specific case and region, but usually takes from one to three months. In cases requiring additional investigation or collection of additional documents, this period may be extended.