The Policy of Deinstitutionalization of Orphanages in Russia: A Shift in the Paradigm

This article is devoted to the study of the dynamics of approaches to the organization of social education of orphans and children left without parental care in Russia. The priorities of social and family policies regarding orphans in Western countries were the creation of conditions for reducing the number of children in this category and ensuring the realization of their right to reside and be brought up in a foster family. In the past decade, the Russian social paradigm regarding orphans has changed towards the deinstitutionalization of orphanages and the establishment of various forms of institutions of a foster family. The study was conducted on the basis of a set of general scientific methods, such as generalization and systematization of theoretical data based on the study of the works of various authors, analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison, system-functional and integrated approaches using the analysis of official statistics and regulatory federal and regional legal acts. The theoretical and practical significance of the study is that it clarifies and systematizes new concepts and organizational principles introduced into the state system of education and socialization of children without parental care, which led to a paradigm shift in the system of social protection of children, to a fundamental review and comprehension of the goals and means of policies in the field of living arrangements for orphans. A phased study of the deinstitutionalization of orphanages in Russia was carried out. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the study of the paradigm shift in the public policy regarding orphans and children without parental care.The various forms of institutions of a foster family are: family orphanages, foster family, patronate family, SOS Children's Villages. The important positive changes in the Russian policy towards children of these categories occurred under the complex interaction of various actors that make up the political arena of modern Russian society. At the same time, weaknesses appeared in the policy of the deinstitutionalization of orphanages. Thus, the vector of the state policy is poorly aimed at working with the biological family, at its rehabilitation, at solving the problem of restoring family ties in the system of children's living arrangements. The high percentage of return of children from foster families to orphanages indicates the need to improve both the professional training of potential candidates for foster parents and the professional social support of foster families.

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