The event was organised by the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights, with support from the government of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Prosecutor General’s Office. It was attended by representatives of federal ministries, regional governments, heads and specialists within the system for preventing social orphanhood, experts and members of charity and public organisations. The President sent his greetings to the congress participants.
Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova said in her opening remarks that the institution of children’s rights commissioners is focused on implementing the President’s instructions to create conditions for a radical change in the demographic situation in Russia. She said that it is working to save families, improve the system for preventing social orphanhood, and create a comprehensive system for helping families in difficult life situations. The Commissioner noted that the Children’s Protection Fund will be of great assistance in these efforts. Maria Lvova-Belova has been appointed chair of the Fund by a presidential executive order.
The Commissioner also pointed out that the establishment of an interdepartmental working group for preventing social orphanhood and helping families with children was a major stage in the work of the institution of children’s rights commissioners. The group has drafted a model regional action plan to enhance the system of assistance to families and prevent social orphanhood in the period until 2030. The document has been approved by the Minister of Education, the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, the Minister of Health and the federal commissioner for children’s rights, and has been forwarded to the regions.
One of the plan’s objectives is to radically reduce the number of children in specialised social rehabilitation establishments for minors, and facilities for orphans and children without parental care by the end of 2030.
Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan Rady Khabirov, who spoke about developing the system for preventing social orphanhood, emphasised the importance of close cooperation with educational establishments, teachers and specialists who work with children. He also highlighted the issue of working with teenagers at-risk groups.
Deputy Prosecutor General Nikolai Shishkin stated that one of the main goals is to prevent social orphanhood by providing assistance to families in difficult life situations at the earliest possible stage and by improving informal engagement with parents and children. He said that the prosecutor’s offices attach great significance to interaction with children’s commissioners, which helps shape a comprehensive view of the situation in the regions.
The programme of the congress includes discussion platforms and practical modules on modern family-saving practices and methods, as well as effective cross-agency actions.
Maria Lvova-Belova also visited the regional Salyut rehabilitation centre, met with teenagers under various forms of preventive supervision, and held a personal reception for families in difficult life situations.