From 2 to 6 November 2026, a delegation from Turkmenistan undertook a study visit to the United Kingdom, organized by UNICEF in cooperation with the Partnership for Every Child Alliance. The visit aimed to explore practical approaches to delivering social services for children and families, preventing unnecessary separation of children from their parents, and developing family-based alternative care.

The United Kingdom was selected for the study visit due to its experience in organizing child protection services at national and local levels, including early family support, family-based alternative care, and assistance to young people leaving care. Of particular interest were the ongoing children's social care reforms in England and practical approaches to inter-agency cooperation.

The delegation included representatives of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, Magtymguly Turkmen State University, and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute.

The visit focused on how families facing difficult circumstances can receive timely support so that children can grow up in a family environment whenever possible. Participants explored how social services are organized, how government institutions and civil society organizations cooperate, and how children requiring special protection are supported.

In London, representatives of the UK Department for Education presented England's child protection system and ongoing reforms, including early support for families, higher-quality social services, family-based care, and support for young people leaving alternative care. The delegation also visited the UK Parliament and met with a Member of the House of Commons.

A particularly valuable part of the programme was a visit to the Care Leavers Hub in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, where the delegation learned about practical support for young people transitioning from care to independent living, including housing, education, employment, and access to essential social services.

In Cornwall, participants visited the Dracaena Centre, a community-based organization working with children, young people, and families, and met with representatives of Cornwall Council. Discussions focused on local family support services, cooperation between services, and approaches to preventing unnecessary placement of children in residential care. The programme also included visits to local initiatives in Torpoint and an exchange of experience on social work education and professional development at the University of Plymouth.

"It was particularly valuable for us to see how government institutions, social services, and civil society organizations work together in practice to provide timely assistance to children and their families. The experience gained offers useful insights for further discussions on strengthening the national child protection system, enhancing family support, and improving inter-agency cooperation," said a representative of the Prosecutor General's Office of Turkmenistan.

The study visit took place within the framework of cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and UNICEF to strengthen the child protection system. The practical examples gained may inform implementation of the National Action Plan for the Rights of the Child for 2023–2028 and the development of the National Programme on Child Protection and Justice for Children.

"Child protection starts with supporting families. It is essential that parents can access the assistance they need in a timely manner and that professionals from different services work together, guided by the needs of each child. This visit provided our national partners with practical examples of how such support works — from community-based social services to assistance for young people transitioning to independent living. UNICEF will continue providing technical support to national partners in exploring and adapting relevant approaches, taking into account Turkmenistan's national context and priorities," said Serdar Bazarov, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF Turkmenistan.

UNICEF thanks the Government of Turkmenistan for supporting the delegation's participation, the Government of the United Kingdom and host institutions for openly sharing experiences and good practices, and the British Embassy in Turkmenistan for its valuable assistance in preparing and facilitating the visit.