Ukraine | The Romanian–Transcarpathian model of psychological support for children affected by the war could be expanded across Europe

A Psychological Support Model for Ukrainian Children

A pilot program developed through cooperation between Transcarpathia and Romania could become a model for supporting Ukrainian children affected by the war and could be extended to other European countries hosting children from Ukraine.

“Maramureș for Peace” – a Week Dedicated to Emotional Recovery

The “Maramureș for Peace – A Week of Hope” initiative gave a group of 30 Ukrainian children the opportunity to participate, in Maramureș County, in a seven-day program focused on emotional recovery and well-being.

Throughout the program, the children benefited from psychological counseling, socialization activities, art therapy, music, photography and other creative activities, carried out in a safe environment adapted to their needs.

Program Results Assessed by Specialists

The meeting dedicated to evaluating the project brought together representatives of the Transcarpathian authorities, psychologists and specialists directly involved in activities with the children, as well as members of the PACE Parliamentary Network on the Situation of Children of Ukraine.

Experts presented the results achieved and highlighted the positive emotional developments observed among the participants, as well as the effectiveness of the therapeutic methods used during the program.

Potential Expansion to Other European Countries

The discussions also focused on the possibility of adapting and implementing this model in other Council of Europe member states that host Ukrainian children affected by the war.

Expanding the initiative could contribute to the development of common mechanisms for psychological support and emotional recovery for children who have been forced to leave their homes and communities.

The “Maramureș Recommendations” – Ten Measures for Children

The meeting also resulted in the adoption of the “Maramureș Recommendations”, a document containing ten measures developed following a dialogue between the participating children and European politicians.

The document will be submitted to the PACE Parliamentary Network and aims to support the development of similar programs providing psychological support, recovery and integration for Ukrainian children living in other European countries.

From a Pilot Project to a European Model

The experience gained through the project in Maramureș shows that comprehensive interventions combining psychological support with creative, social and educational activities can contribute to the emotional recovery of children affected by war.

The model developed through cooperation between Transcarpathia and Romania could therefore provide a foundation for broader European initiatives dedicated to protecting and supporting Ukrainian children.