Mr Astakhov said that the number of children living in foster families increased in 2013, and the number of children’s homes decreased.
The Commissioner noted that more Russian families are adopting children now, and said that he believes this reflects not only the results of the state’s efforts in this area, but also an increase in activity among families willing to adopt children.
In 2013, the regional commissioners for children’s rights worked together with the Healthcare Ministry to collect information on children with disabilities living in children’s homes. Mr Astakhov asked the President to look into establishing a single federal register of all such children in order to provide them with targeted medical help.