RESULTS OF THE STUDY OF THE FEATURES OF ADAPTATION OF UKRAINIAN FAMILIES WITH TEMPORARY PROTECTION THAT RAISE CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN GERMANY

Abstract

Introduction. The article provides a theoretical analysis of the problem of adaptation of Ukrainian families raising children with developmental disabilities in Germany under conditions of temporary protection. The key factors affecting the integration of such families into the new socio-cultural environment are considered, including access to medical, educational and social services. Special attention is paid to the assessment of the effectiveness of support programs and the level of satisfaction of families with existing conditions. The main challenges faced by parents and children are identified, as well as possible ways to improve adaptation processes are outlined. Purpose and objectives of the article. The purpose of the article is to analyze the peculiarities of adaptation of Ukrainian families with temporary protection in Germany, who raise children with developmental disabilities, taking into account the specific needs of these families. Task: 1. To characterize the socio-economic and cultural conditions in which Ukrainian families with children with developmental disabilities are living in Germany. 2. To investigate the level of satisfaction of families with children with developmental disabilities with existing support programs in Germany. Results. The analysis of the adaptation of Ukrainian families raising children with developmental disabilities in the conditions of temporary protection in Germany revealed a number of important trends, problems and opportunities. Most Ukrainian families faced serious challenges in the process of adaptation. The main factors complicating this process are: the language barrier, which complicates access to medical, educational and social services; differences in the system of social protection and education for children with special needs; insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of obtaining the necessary assistance. At the same time, most parents express satisfaction with the level of social protection and the possibility of receiving financial support. They have access to social benefits, medical services and specialized educational institutions. Despite the developed system of specialized education in Germany, the majority of interviewed parents noted difficulties with access to appropriate educational institutions due to long queues, a complicated registration system and a lack of places in some schools. There are a number of social assistance programs in Germany, including financial support, counseling for parents, assistance in finding specialized facilities and psychological support for children. According to Ukrainian families, the most effective are: social assistance for children with disabilities, which covers the costs of care and rehabilitation; early intervention programs (Frühförderung) aimed at the development of children with special needs at the preschool stage; medical care, including rehabilitation services, psychotherapy and speech therapy classes. At the same time, the study showed that some parents do not receive the full amount of assistance due to the complexity of the paperwork procedure, the lack of sufficient information, and the language barrier. Ukrainian families raising children with developmental disabilities face additional psychological challenges. The main stress factors for parents are: the uncertainty of the future and the need to adapt to new living conditions; difficulties in communication with local institutions due to the language barrier; a sense of isolation due to the breakdown of social ties with relatives and friends in Ukraine. Thus, the results of the study confirm that Germany has a well-developed system of support for children with special educational needs, but Ukrainian families face a number of difficulties that require an integrated approach to solving.