This brief presents the case for engaging paraprofessional social service workers as part of a strengthened child protection and care system in Ukraine. The advocacy brief outlines how paraprofessionals—working under the supervision of qualified professionals—can help address workforce shortages, particularly in crisis-affected and resource-constrained contexts.
Drawing on international experience and the context of Ukraine’s care reform, the brief describes the roles, competencies and safeguards needed to effectively integrate paraprofessionals into child protection systems. It highlights their contribution to family strengthening, community engagement, case support and prevention, while emphasizing the importance of training, supervision and ethical standards to ensure quality and accountability
