Tragedy in the Village of Serebriya
Charges have been filed against the director of a municipal social service center in connection with the death of a ten-year-old disabled boy in the village of Serebriya, Vinnytsia region. The boy, who suffered from organic central nervous system damage, was entirely dependent on others for care and unable to manage basic needs. Investigators found that a social worker rarely visited the family, instead filing reports based solely on phone conversations with the boy's mother. The director is now accused of criminal negligence under Article 367, Part 3 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
Timeline of Events
An order for social support of the child was issued in August 2025. Between August and December 2025, 14 inspection reports were filed, the last dated December 15, 2025. The boy died on December 16, 2025. If convicted, the director faces up to eight years in prison, a fine, and a ban from holding certain positions.
The director is the fourth suspect in this case. Earlier charges were announced against:
- The boy's mother, accused of leaving a minor child in danger resulting in death and malicious failure to fulfill parental duties, under Article 135, Part 3, and Article 166 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
- A social worker, suspected of improperly fulfilling duties to protect a child's life and health, leading to death, under Article 137, Part 2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
- A family doctor, suspected of failing to properly perform professional medical duties, causing severe consequences for a minor, under Article 140, Part 2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code.
Additionally, it was determined that the child had not received food for at least two months before death, and the mother did not seek medical help for him. Ukraine's Prosecutor General, Ruslan Kravchenko, emphasized that
“the boy did not die from illness. He died from the indifference of adults. Everyone who saw and remained silent, who knew and did nothing, who had authority and failed to use it—will be held accountable.”
This tragedy highlights serious shortcomings in Ukraine's social welfare and healthcare systems, particularly regarding the protection of disabled children's rights. A lack of proper oversight of social workers and medical professionals can lead to fatal outcomes. The investigation continues, with the public closely watching for justice for the deceased child and his family.
This tragic case highlights a concerning pattern of negligence in child welfare services in Ukraine. Similar to a recent incident in Nikopol, where a stepmother is facing trial for the fatal abuse of a ten-year-old girl, the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children raise serious questions. For a deeper understanding of the legal implications and societal issues surrounding such cases, you can read more about the legal proceedings in Nikopol.