DVOU & the Ukrainian Women's League of America build awareness of horrific orphanage conditions in Ukraine

The Disabled & Vulnerable Orphans of Ukraine (DVOU) teams up with Ukrainian Women's League #76 presenting the Ukrainian community in Detroit the abhorrent conditions of orphanages in Ukraine and their possible remedial solutions

Warren, MI (PRWEB) October 20, 2002 -- The Disabled & Vulnerable Orphans of Ukraine (DVOU) presented to the Ukrainian community the horrific conditions of orphanages in Ukraine and possible remedial solutions to alleviate persisting health care problems. The event, covering the topic 'Long-term effects of institutionalized children in Ukraine', was sponsored by the Ukrainian Women's League of America, Chapter #76 of Detroit.

Official Ukrainian statistics show that less than 25% of the allocated state budget actually reaches the orphanages themselves. "The lack of government funding and its proper allocation create dangerous living conditions, threatening these orphan's lives," comments Lillian Horodysky, founder & Executive Director of the DVOU. Throughout Ukraine, orphanages are seriously deprived of basic living necessities such as food, clothing, heating, plumbing and electricity. High levels of undernourishment and faster rates of the development of childhood diseases have caused an increase in death rates than a decade ago among institutionalized children in Ukraine.

Ms. Horodysky noted during the presentation that through understaffing, ignorance or disinterest, children with special needs are most often left in bed without any attention for hours and are not provided the physical, intellectual or emotional stimulation essential for healthy development. Some children are resilient, however, most develop language and behavioral problems, such as speech delays, attachment disorders and psychological disturbances. Institutionalized children enter adulthood desensitized and lacking the understanding of emotional feelings and how to develop positive relationships.

Orphaned children also lack proper medical care they deserve. Medical misdiagnosis is common where children are frequently not thoroughly examined and are often misdiagnosed. In Ukraine, a child can be labeled mentally ill if one or both parents are criminals or their mother had depression during pregnancy.

In order for Ukraine to break the circle of problems, Horodysky recommends that developing training programs for orphanage staff in early childhood development techniques would be a good start. Childcare and other non-governmental agencies (NGO's) need to work hand in hand with government Ministries to make every possible opportunity for all orphans to be adopted. A national alternative living infrastructure, such as foster care or family-style children's homes needs to be developed. It is also crucial to organize an independent group of experts of pediatricians, psychologists and educators to conduct unannounced visits for check-ups of orphanages, evaluate medical diagnoses, and have the power to challenge and change misdiagnoses when necessary.

The Disabled & Vulnerable Orphans of Ukraine (DVOU) is dedicated to identifying and resolving critical issues and emerging areas of need in the lives of disabled & special needs orphans suffering from HIV/AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, tuberculosis and other diseases. The organization specializes in offering programs in humanitarian aid, health care, advocacy and education & training for disadvantaged Ukrainian orphans.

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