The nationwide inspection of the system for preventing child abandonment continues, its goal being to reduce the number of children in children's homes through new approaches and projects. In August, the Commissioner’s team visited children's institutions in the Arkhangelsk Region. They analysed programmes to prevent child abandonment, incentive schemes of institutions, the implementation of state assignments, and the region's activities aimed at helping families in difficult life situations.
During a working meeting with Governor Alexander Tsybulsky, Maria Lvova-Belova offered the Arkhangelsk Region to become the first participant in the Challenge special project, which aims to reduce the number of children living in children's homes. The Commissioner for Children’s Rights promised to provide organisational and methodological support to the region, including opening of the Children in the Family service and Stable Family clubs. The head of the region supported the Commissioner’s proposal.
Maria Lvova-Belova also held a meeting with heads of child neglect and juvenile delinquency prevention agencies and institutions, members of the Arkhangelsk Region Commission for the Affairs of Minors and Protection of Their Rights. The Children's Rights Commissioner gave recommendations to the region based on the results of the inspection and also drew attention to possible points of growth. She took under personal control 33 cases, in which families need additional assistance to return their children from children's homes.
In addition, Maria Lvova-Belova visited the Arkhangelsk infant medical care centre, the regional centre for social assistance to families and children, met with large families, and also held a personal reception of citizens.