For many Ukrainian families, the opportunity to send a child on a summer vacation without financial costs remains a top priority. The state continues to implement a large-scale health and wellness program, annually paying for vouchers for thousands of young citizens. The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine has reminded the public about the existing mechanisms for distributing places and the categories of children entitled to them.
Who has priority for free health and wellness
According to the Law of Ukraine "On the Health and Recreation of Children", the right to rest at the expense of the state budget belongs to children in need of special social attention and support. Since the number of places in camps is limited, the distribution of vouchers is carried out strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
The most vulnerable categories of children have the primary right to receive a voucher. The Ministry of Social Policy clarified: "If the needs of these categories are fully met, vouchers are provided to other children who have the right to state health and wellness".
Distribution specifics in 2026
In the current season, children's health and wellness is organized, among other places, at the International Children's Center "Artek" and other specialized institutions. The mechanism for distributing vouchers to the IDC "Artek" is regulated by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 276 dated March 11, 2025, while the direction of children is carried out in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Social Policy No. 239-N dated May 13, 2024.
Parents do not need to search for or buy vouchers themselves. Their distribution is handled by authorized bodies, guided by legislatively established categories and the order of priority. To obtain a voucher, the legal representatives of the child must apply to the Department of Social Protection of the Population at their place of residence.
Response to emergency situations
In July 2026, the government adopted a resolution allowing for an operational response to emergency situations. If an emergency occurs in a region or community, the State Service of Ukraine for Children Affairs can prioritize sending additional vouchers specifically to that region.
In practice, this mechanism has already worked: recently, 110 children from Vyshneve received vouchers to the IDC "Artek" in Zakarpattia.
New mechanism for choosing a camp
In 2026, an additional mechanism entered into force, introduced by the Government Resolution No. 259 dated February 25, 2026. It allows parents to independently choose one of the children's health and recreation facilities that participates in the state program and has a contract with the Fund for Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities.
Children meeting certain criteria can undergo health and wellness under this program. After coordination with the camp, a service provision agreement is concluded. This can be done either in person or remotely. Services are paid for from the state budget, however, such assistance is provided only once per calendar year. If a child has already used the state program, they cannot receive a voucher again this year.
Alternative options and family support
In addition to the federal program, many local communities implement their own initiatives for children's health and wellness at the expense of local budgets. If a child did not make it into the state program, parents can contact local authorities to clarify available opportunities.
Parallel to this, the Cabinet of Ministers proposes to significantly change the system of protection for Ukrainian children and increase assistance for foster families and guardians. The corresponding bill has already been registered in parliament. Also, in Kyiv, there are programs for temporary rest for parents of children with disabilities, and in 2026, "children's" payments were increased — from pregnancy to school.
