School truancy can cost parents UAH 1,700: when you risk a fine

Parents in Ukraine are not automatically fined for every lesson missed by their child. However, systematic non-attendance at school without good reason and improper fulfillment of responsibilities for the upbringing and education of a child may be grounds for administrative liability.

This was reported by the Department of Legal Support of the Dnipro City Council.

When the police and social services may become interested in a school

On February 25, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 241, which introduced changes to the procedure for maintaining records of preschool and school-age children.

The new rules, in particular, regulate the interaction of educational institutions, children’s services and law enforcement agencies.

Information about a child may be transferred to authorized bodies if he or she does not actually participate in the educational process for a long time.

These are situations when:

a child systematically does not attend school without good reason;

parents or legal representatives do not respond to the appeal of the educational institution;

the school does not have reliable information about the child’s whereabouts.

In such cases, the Children’s Service and the National Police may be involved in establishing the circumstances.

The purpose of such a mechanism is to find out where the child is, why he is not studying, and whether his right to education and proper upbringing conditions are ensured.

Can a fine be imposed for missed lessons

A single missed lesson is not an automatic basis for a fine.

If a child is ill, is undergoing treatment, or is not attending school due to other justified circumstances, parents must promptly notify the educational institution.

At the same time, Article 184 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses provides for liability for evasion by parents or persons replacing them from fulfilling their statutory obligations towards children.

A warning may be issued for a violation or a fine of 850 to 1,700 hryvnias may be imposed.

At the same time, in order to hold parents accountable, it must be established that they have not properly fulfilled their duties. Missing classes due to illness or another valid reason in itself does not mean that parents will be fined.

Liability also applies to minors

On May 9, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 9390, aimed at clarifying liability for evasion by parents or persons replacing them from fulfilling their obligations to ensure the necessary living conditions, education and upbringing of minors.

A minor in Ukraine is considered a child under the age of 14, and a minor is a person from 14 to 18.

Legislative changes have expanded the scope of liability, providing for it also in cases of improper fulfillment of duties regarding minors.

What parents should know

Intensifying control over the registration of children does not mean the introduction of automatic fines for absenteeism.

First of all, attention will be paid to cases where the child does not attend school systematically, his/her whereabouts are unknown, and the parents do not contact the school and do not take measures to ensure education.

Therefore, in the event of a temporary absence of a child, parents should inform the school about the reasons for the absences and maintain contact with teachers.