During the meeting, Maria Lvova-Belova and Alexei Teksler discussed the results of joint projects on childhood and outlined new plans.
The Children’s Commissioner emphasised that the Chelyabinsk Region is successfully implementing the Teenagers of Russia strategic programme, being a leader in terms of the number of teen centres: the fourth centre will soon open here. In October 2023, the region hosted the Power of Russia session for children in conflict with the law, which involved 114 children from 11 regions in the country, Maria Lvova-Belova noted. Nine such sessions have already taken place throughout Russia.
Maria Lvova-Belova mentioned the region’s successful experience in supporting employment for teenagers. In addition, new agreements have been reached. The Chelyabinsk Region will join the Commissioner’s Support Through Life strategic programme. The discussion focused, in particular, on programmes to support children with autism spectrum disorder, informing parents about measures of state and public support if a child is diagnosed with a disabling disease, as well as the opening of daycare centres for children with disabilities.
Alexei Teksler said the region pays special attention to the protection of children's rights. The regional Commissioner for Children's Rights annually receives about 4,000 requests regarding the observance of children's social rights, provision of housing for orphans and other pressing issues.
According to the Governor, the region has significantly improved the situation of providing housing to orphans and children without parental care: about 850 flats are provided annually for these purposes, and starting next year, funding for this programme will increase by 70 percent.
At the Chelyabinsk Region Government house, the Commissioner for Children's Rights held a meeting with representatives of the relevant departments on issues of protecting the rights and legitimate interests of children.
The Commissioner also visited the My Territory Teen Centre, which won the national competition for teenager socialisation programmes in 2022. The contest is held annually as part of the Teenagers of Russia strategic programme.