Psychologists of the Zaporuka Foundation have created a division of psychological support for children with cancer and their families on the basis of the NPA

Specialist and community development programs March 5 2024

Psychologists of the Zaporuka Foundation have created a division of psychological support for children with cancer and their families on the basis of the National Psychological Association

15 years ago, we laid the foundation for the development of psychosocial support for young cancer patients in hospitals. On this foundation, we have created a reliable system of professional support for children and their families during treatment at the National Cancer Institute and the Western Ukrainian Specialized Children's Medical Center. About 7,000 children have received psychological assistance from our psychosocial care team over 15 years.

Based on our extensive experience, we decided to share it with other psychologists. So we initiated the creation of a division to help children with cancer and their families continue to overcome life's challenges at all stages of treatment and rehabilitation.

Today, about 6,000 children in Ukraine have cancer. Regardless of where the child lives and undergoes treatment, he or she has the right to receive proper care - not only medical but also psychological. We are confident that through the division's activities we will make professional help available to all young cancer patients.

Therefore, we invite all full members of the NPA to join the division, to realize ambitious and important goals together, namely:

1. Develop and implement effective, evidence-based standards of psychosocial support for children with cancer and their families, ensuring a holistic approach to their needs.

2. Research the needs of the target audience: conduct scientific research to better understand the needs and challenges of children with cancer and their families to provide effective support and improve their quality of life.

3. Collaborate with professionals: involve specialists from different fields of knowledge (psychologists, doctors, speech therapists, rehabilitation specialists, social workers, etc.) to develop and improve methods of psychosocial support and interdisciplinary cooperation.

4. Create protocols and guidelines: develop applied, effective instructions and guidelines, work algorithms covering various aspects of psychosocial support.

5. Develop and conduct educational programs for professionals working with children with cancer and their families.

6. Implement information campaigns and events to attract public attention and ensure widespread understanding of the importance of psychosocial support in pediatric oncology.

This list is only part of our plan. Read more about the division's goals and objectives at link. Look for us at number 18.

If you do not have a membership in the NPA but would like to join the community, please read how to get a membership on the Association's website.