Family Life Education in Ukraine

Like in every society around the globe, family plays a key role in development, functioning, and well-being of Ukrainian people. In this chapter, we presented an account of history, traditions, legislation, and dynamics within modern families in Ukraine. We also highlighted the complexities related to the socioeconomic and political situation and their consequences that magnify family vulnerabilities and call for innovative and culturally situated solutions. To better illustrate the current status of family education, we focused on four areas that mirror our expertise while revealing the urgent needs and concerns related to family life in Ukraine. Specifically, we detailed aspects related to socioeconomic, historical, and cultural context of Ukraine, family demographics, legislation, strengths, and needs and their impact on the families in such areas as substance use, disability, sexually transmitted diseases, and interpersonal relations. Finally, the authors make a case that establishing departments of family life education, family studies, and family therapy at the university level would help prepare professional family life educators and further enhance the quality of family services in Ukraine.