The Commissioner announced the launch of a pilot project to establish a comprehensive support system for at-risk teenagers, including adolescents affected by hostilities, children of the special military operation participants, young people with behavioural issues, children with disabilities, teenagers in socially dangerous situations, and adolescents living in institutional care. Maria Lvova-Belova stressed the importance of expanding the infrastructure such as youth centres, street outreach services, daycare centres for children with disabilities, and parent support clubs.
During the working visit, the Commissioner paid particular attention to expanding the system for preventing social orphanhood and supporting families. The Commissioner held a meeting with specialised agencies and visited a new building at the Krasnodon residential care home, where she donated additional furniture, mats and toys to the institution, and wished the children a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.
She noted that the Lugansk People’s Republic promoted a family-preservation approach and that regional agencies were focused on supporting parents in crisis situations. The number of children living in institutions at any one time is declining, while more and more children are returning home.
The Commissioner met with more than 20 families, including during a reception held at the Lugansk headquarters of the Commissioner’s humanitarian drive, Into Children’s Hands. Over the past three years, 1,500 families have received help there.
In the spring, the Commissioner met with a mother of many children who sought help after a fire severely damaged the family’s home. During the visit, the Commissioner presented her with the keys to the newly renovated flat.
In addition, the Commissioner visited the Lugansk Republican Addiction Treatment Clinic “Family Centre.”