There are presently over one million orphans in Russia living in state run institutions. The vast majority of them are not true orphans in the real sense of the word. They often have a living parent, but are forced into orphanages because their parents have been stripped of custody for a number of different reasons, most commonly, alcohol or drug abuse. These children are known as ‘social orphans’. The Federal childcare system provides orphans with housing and food. However, due to a chronic lack of funds, the living conditions in the majority of orphanages, especially those in rural provinces, are horrendous. In many cases, the children’s most basic needs for items such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, simple hygiene products, medical supplies are simply not met. Read More
