One of the topics discussed during the meeting with the Governor was supporting adolescents registered with various social services. The Commissioner and Alexander Beglov agreed that St Petersburg will be among ten pilot regions for the Pereprava project, aimed at assisting at-risk youth.
The Pereprava project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the Federal Centre for the Development of Adolescent Socialisation Programmes under the Centre for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Interests, and relevant regional authorities. St Petersburg already has extensive experience in working with adolescents, with the KONTAKT City Centre for Social Programmes and the Prevention of Antisocial Phenomena Among Youth and the St Basil the Great Centre operating in the city.
Responding to journalists’ questions, Maria Lvova-Belova explained that the Pereprava project is designed to support not only teenagers, but also their families. The initiative will focus on digital safety and the development of infrastructure, including youth centres, street services, daycare facilities for children with disabilities, and parent clubs. Emphasis will also be placed on responsible employment, career guidance for adolescents, and specialist training.
Together with Director of the Federal Adolescent Centre Alexei Petrov and representatives of the KONTAKT City Centre, Maria Lvova-Belova took part in a street social work service visit with teenagers and engaged with children at one of the city’s shopping malls.
The Commissioner highlighted that the goal of the Pereprava project is to leverage the regional adolescent support system to implement early prevention practices, addressing challenges faced by teenagers at an initial stage and preventing their escalation.
Maria Lvova-Belova also visited the Malenkaya Mama women’s crisis support centre, where she held personal meetings with families.