The nationwide inspection of the system for preventing child abandonment is conducted following the instruction issued by the President of Russia. The Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights has so far inspected six constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Maria Lvova-Belova thanked Head of the Stavropol Territory Vladimir Vladimirov for supporting the Commissioner’s project to reduce the number of children under the age of four at group homes. According to her, the region is among the best in the country with the number of the children residing in such institutions now half of what it used to be. Children in the Family services, sustainable development family clubs, and work with alcohol- and drug-addicted parents are underway in the region. According to the Commissioner, extra efforts may bring the number of children residing at stationary institutions across the country down by a quarter.
Governor Vladimir Vladimirov emphasised that the birth rate and the number of large families were up in the Stavropol Territory, and young families are getting support.
In addition, Maria Lvova-Belova met with participants of the convention of the federal and regional children’s public councils which was held as part of the Mashuk youth educational forum in Pyatigorsk. The meeting was attended by 150 teenagers aged 14 to 18 from all constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The meeting was held in order to help fulfil the personal potential of young children, to create regional social projects, and to strengthen the federal team of young helpers of the human rights institute.
At Mashuk, Maria Lvova-Belova also met with the participants of a theme-based Support platform. Young teachers and educators have developed games for teenagers.
In addition, the Children’s Commissioner held a Conversation about Things That Matter for almost 500 specialists, including teachers, educators, and psychologists.