Ukraine introduces specialists in supporting war veterans

The Cabinet of Ministers recently adopted a resolution that defines the mechanism for ensuring the activities of specialists in accompanying war veterans and demobilized persons. This innovation is a key element in the military-to-civilian transition system designed to support those who have defended Ukraine.

Rubryka writes about this, referring to the Government portal.

What is the problem?

Officials at various levels of government are talking about the importance of supporting veterans and service members who are demobilized, usually seriously injured, traumatized, or seriously ill.

However, defenders can spend hours telling you the obstacles they face in the first days and months of returning to civilian life.

What is the solution?

"The government has adopted a key document in the system of transition from military service to civilian life. This is the start of the full introduction of specialists in supporting war veterans and demobilized persons in Ukraine," said Oleksandr Porhun, Acting Minister of Veteran Affairs of Ukraine.

This innovation is a key element in the military-to-civilian transition system designed to support those who have defended Ukraine.

The resolution also defines clear requirements for support specialist candidates, particularly regarding their professional training, working and functional conditions, and reporting on the work performed.

How does it work?

According to government officials, escort specialists will work with the following categories of persons:

• war veterans
• persons who have special merits to the Motherland,
• injured participants of the Revolution of Dignity,
• family members of the specified categories,
• demobilized persons.

Support professionals will be the first to meet veterans upon their return to the community. They will provide informational support and advice on obtaining statuses, benefits, services, housing, rehabilitation, employment, and starting one's own business.

"The specialist is an information advisor for veterans, members of their families, and the families of fallen defenders," Porhun added.

Who can become a support specialist

A citizen of Ukraine or a veteran with an education level of at least a bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, law, health care, social work, or public management and administration can become a specialist in accompanying veterans.

"All the needs of veterans should find professional support and assistance, which such a support specialist can provide," said Deputy Minister Maksym Kushnir.

The process of selection and preparation of candidates

Candidates apply through the e-Veteran platform, with registration being open until the end of August.

After applying, the candidates are tested on knowledge of the law and psychology. Preference will be given to candidates with veteran status or with special services to Ukraine.

Specialists will be trained in institutions of higher education and centers of veteran development of the Ministry of Veterans in accordance with a typical educational program.

Support specialists will work in communal institutions and veteran spaces under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.

This step is important for Ukraine as it is on the way to creating a support system for veterans that meets European standards and the needs of Ukraine's defenders.