On July 16, 2026, the Law of Ukraine “On Mentorship” enters into force, according to which mentorship becomes a distinct social service. From now on, every stage – from searching for mentors and their training to mutual selection, support, and evaluation of results – complies with unified standards.
Mentorship is a voluntary, unpaid, and regular activity aimed at developing a person’s personal potential, taking into account their individual needs and characteristics.
A mentor does not replace parents or legal representatives. Their role is to become a reliable adult for a child or young person, helping them develop life skills, overcome difficulties, determine their future, and move forward with confidence.
What is new in the Law “On Mentorship”?
The circle of individuals eligible to receive a mentor is expanding:
orphans;
children deprived of parental care;
children in difficult life circumstances or residing in 24-hour residential care facilities;
children affected by military actions and armed conflicts;
children who were deported or forcibly displaced as a result of armed aggression;
children from among the persons defined by the Law of Ukraine “On the Status of War Veterans and Guarantees of Their Social Protection”;
minor pregnant girls in difficult life circumstances;
single mothers or fathers under the age of 23 in difficult life circumstances;
young people under the age of 23 who need support for successful integration into independent life.
New requirements for mentors and the candidate preparation procedure have been defined:
A mentor can be an individual with full legal capacity, aged 21 or older, who has completed training, received a positive conclusion regarding their ability to provide mentorship, and signed a mentorship agreement.
For the first time, corporate mentorship has been introduced at the legislative level. Businesses and organizations will be able to join in supporting children and youth by conducting career orientation events and introducing them to professions, organizing internships, training, and providing assistance with adaptation to future work.
If you have been thinking about becoming a mentor, now is the time to take the first step 💛
