After the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Ukraine began the difficult process of transition from a strict socialist economy to a capitalist economy, and from a totalitarian state to an open and free society. After a promising start, the country has experienced a series of set backs including an ongoing energy crisis, a collapse of basic social welfare programs, government instability, exacerbation of environmental problems, and extreme poverty in many areas of the country. Unemployment rates are extremely high, particularly among women. These women are now experiencing sharp increases in alcoholism and drug abuse, and women, young and old are often forced or tricked into prostitution.

As a result, Ukraine has experienced an extraordinary rise in the number of abandoned children, and there are now more than 400,000 children living in orphanages across Ukraine. Conditions in orphanages vary, but none would meet basic western standards of care. Severe overcrowding is the norm. Medical care is completely inadequate, dental care is nonexistent, and educational opportunities are substandard. While the orphanages receive some government support for food and basic necessities much of their support comes from U.S. humanitarian aid organizations.