A roundtable discussion organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the SOS Children’s Villages of Uzbekistan focused on the topic of providing psychosocial support for children in alternative forms of care and preventing their separation from their biological families. Representatives from various government agencies, international and national organizations, experts, foster parents, and young people came together to discuss practical approaches to supporting the mental health of children who are under guardianship or at risk of being separated from their families. They stressed the importance of understanding psychological trauma and the need for collaboration between different sectors.
During the event, participants also addressed the need for sustainable practices and systematic support for caregivers and professionals working with children and families. It was emphasized that ensuring access to high-quality psychosocial care is crucial for protecting children’s rights, especially in the context of ongoing reforms in the alternative care system in Uzbekistan.
Panel discussions and group work focused on topics such as deinstitutionalization, promoting family forms of care, developing mental health services and psychosocial support for children with disabilities, and the importance of considering gender aspects in providing access to services for both girls and boys. The recommendations put forward by foster parents and young people who have experience growing up in alternative care were also highlighted.
This event highlighted the significance of addressing mental health and providing psychosocial support in protecting children’s rights. As Uzbekistan is committed to reforming its child care system and prioritizing family-oriented forms of care, the participants developed recommendations for integrating psychosocial support into national strategies and social protection practices.