On June 12, 2026, Ternopil hosted the Fourth Foster Families Forum, themed "A Child's Happiness is to Grow Up in a Family." The event brought together 135 participants from 30 communities across the Ternopil region, including foster parents, educators, and representatives of relevant social services.
Joining Forces for the Future. The "Orphans' Future" Charity Foundation traditionally initiated and organized this vital platform.
While adult participants exchanged experiences, openly discussed pressing issues, and sought collaborative solutions to halt the decline of family-based care formats in the Ternopil region, the children enjoyed a separate program beautifully arranged by volunteers from the "Caritas-Ternopil" Charity Foundation. We are deeply grateful for this long-standing partnership.
This year, the forum's organizational core grew significantly stronger: the Ternopil Regional Center of Social Services actively joined the preparation, marking a powerful step forward in synergy between the public sector and the state. Financial support for the event was generously provided by long-time benefactor David Little (New Horizons Foundation).
The event's program was highly practical and intensive:
• Legal and Financial Guidance: A guest representative from the Regional Pension Fund conducted an information session, addressing pressing questions from families regarding the specifics of payouts and benefits.
• Inspiring Experience: Foster parents raising teenagers and children with disabilities shared their moving success stories of resilience, dedication, and love.
• Development of Foster Care (Patronat): Special attention was paid to rapid response methods during crises in biological families. Experts from the Kyiv-based charity organization "Partnership for Every Child" discussed the expansion of foster care (patronat) with community representatives.
The forum proved once again: only through active dialogue, ongoing support, and the combined efforts of charities, authorities, and the families themselves can we guarantee the fundamental right of every child — the right to grow up in a loving family.
