From January 21-31, Kidsave welcomed a Ukrainian delegation of child welfare leaders to Washington, DC as part of the Open World Exchange in partnership with the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL). As a proud member of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Kidsave was honored to help facilitate this exchange focused on strengthening Ukrainian child protection systems, advancing permanency, and fostering international collaboration for children impacted by war and displacement.
Ukraine has been working to reform its child welfare system since 2016. While many of these reforms have been delayed due to the war, child welfare leaders and professionals across the country continue to work diligently to improve circumstances for orphans and children separated from their families despite the ongoing challenges.
Throughout the visit, the delegates engaged with U.S. policymakers and advocates to better understand how child welfare systems operate across the country. These conversations emphasized the role of governance, law, and bipartisan leadership in successful child protection systems.
The delegation met with Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH), a leader in efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and advocate for the Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act. In Richmond, Virginia, they were formally welcomed by Delegate Kathy Tran at the General Assembly and met with partners at the Virginia Department of Social Services and Richmond City Social Services including Central Virginia’s permanency consultant Lisa LaScola Tully to discuss how the Weekend Miracles program has informed child welfare practices in Ukraine. Conversations continued in our meeting with Jewish Family Services Richmond where more was learned about adoption-related services such as counseling, home studies, placement coordination, post-placement support and education for adoptive families. While the snow moved some of the itinerary to online, meetings with leaders at National Coalition for Child and Family Well-being, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and American Bar Association were still deeply impactful.
As the delegation came to a close, there was much to be thankful for. Ukrainian members left encouraged, energized and motivated by new partnerships and ideas. Kidsave CEO, Randi Thompson, added that “We came as colleagues with very similar goals and ideals, but I think the best part of the International Leadership Open World Program is that we leave as friends.”
