Political, social and economical transformations in Ukraine influenced changes for the worse in the life of most people, especially children. On e of the best examples of this – appearance in the cities of so called ‘street children’. Because of unsatisfactory material condition, many families cannot provide appropriate care of children. Also the number of incomplete families, families where one of parents left abroad for job and families where parents are alcohol or drugs dependent or children are victims of violence increased.

Social system is still oriented on placing such children from crisis or dysfunctional families and children who are left without parent’s wardship to official state institutions (boarding schools and orphanages). Despite living conditions there are satisfactory, general attitude to children lacks privacy, trusting relations and educative process is immoderately rigid. It is substantially limiting the freedom of child. All these factors have negative emotional and psychological influence on children and leads to making decision about escape and life on the street. Life on the streets, using tobacco, alcohol, drugs, early and uncontrolled sexual life are undermining children's health. 

After analysis of current situation, Caritas-Ukraine determined priorities of its activity, aimed on solution of this problem:
•   Prevention of children’s  homelessness;
•  Help to socially unprotected children existing in hard life situations, satisfaction of their elementary needs (food, clothes, medical service) on the primary level – on the streets, where they are spending all their time.
•  Resociallisation and improving the quality of life of ‘street children’, assistance in their further settlement.
•  During more that 10 years of activity Caritas Ukraine received big experience of work with children, developed innovational methods, based on material, social and psychological support, with involvement of parents and local community. 

Numerous forms of activity are aimed on development of socially adapted personality of child, formation of his/her positive life perspective and creation of atmosphere of support and protection. Main users of services are also active participants of the process of their evaluation and improvement.