The needs in Ukraine are extensive, and the professionals who provide support to children and young people in Ukraine are themselves in great need of support. The Swedish government has commissioned Barnafrid to provide training, methodological support and working procedures. The initiative is part of Sweden's long-term cooperation with Ukraine to support reconstruction, reform work and EU integration.
During 2024-2026, the Swedish Institute is funding the project ‘Training Programme to End Violence Against Children in Ukraine’, in which Barnafrid is collaborating with the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. In the project, Barnafrid will develop an online training course on children's rights and violence against children, as well as a comprehensive training programme that includes online training, casetrainers adapted for workplaces, and a toolbox for mapping exposure to violence and mental ill health. The project plan also includes evaluating the training and pilot projects carried out to raise awareness, as well as networking in Ukraine and Sweden.
In the summer of 2023, the government granted Barnafrid support to conduct a feasability study focusing on trauma-informed care and support for traumatised children and young people in Ukraine. The study helped to identify the need for knowledge and skills enhancement initiatives in Ukraine with regard to violence against children and traumatisation. It also provided suggestions on how such initiatives could be implemented in Ukraine. The feasability study was presented on 1 March 2024.
