The problem with orphanages
Children who are raised in an orphanage are provided with food, accommodation, clothing and schooling, but there is no one who cares about them personally. If a child is diagnosed as mentally or physically handicapped, the circumstances are even worse. A bright, intelligent child becomes a difficult child if there is no psychological support to help him or her to resolve the issues as a result of early childhood neglect and abuse. There is very little hope for rehabilitation, and even less hope for a life outside an institution once they become adult.
The Russian Government’s recent programme to take tens of thousands of orphans out of institutions and place them with Russian foster families has been welcomed by Kitezh and child care professionals. However it also has its problems. A lack of training for these parents means that many of them cannot cope with the challenges presented by children who are likely to have physical and/or emotional problems. Some of these children are returned to the orphanages, and the cycle continues. This is where Kitezh can help, with training, advice and support.
Read an article written by Andrew Aikman, English Teacher at Kitezh Children’s Community, about what happens to small children in Russia whose parents fall victim to alcohol.
