Armenia Aims to Replace Orphanages with Foster Caring and Adoption

“After the successful results of the pilot programs, Armenia and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) in February of 2011 initiated the “Every Child Needs a Family” campaign in Armenia.”

“The campaign seeks public support to replace country’s orphanages with families who stand ready to provide foster care and make the adoption process smoother. According to the campaign’s website Infokids.am there are 4,900 children in Armenia living in orphanages and other related boarding institutions. 80 percent of them have at least one parent. The fact that these children have at least one parent means they are ineligible for adoption. These parents have left their children in orphanages, saying the harsh economic conditions don’t allow them to provide a decent life for their children. Currently, only 237 children are registered for adoption.”

“Some of the interest groups that fuel the negative debate are those who benefit from the current system. The implementation of the Every Child Needs a Family campaign is a threat to orphanages and boarding institutions who fear government funding will end if the program is successfully implemented. On the other hand, there have been revelations of corruption cases in orphanages where the funds have been misdirected and inappropriately spend by certain managers.”
Armenia aims to replace orphanages with foster caring and adoption
[Huliq 4/24/11 by Armen Hareyan]

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