Children at risk in Armenia : research paper

Abstract

Among all population, especially during times of transition, children living in institutions are the most vulnerable of all and the most the subject to the impact of a large number of risk factors. Many children living under institutional care have suffered mental and/or physical disabilities as result of being institutionalized during their entire lives. Among the institutionalized Armenian children there are mentally, physically disabled as well as fully abled, healthy children; there are also orphaned and abandoned children as well as those who have family relations, street children and children allegedly with deviant behavior. Many differences divide these children but they all have something common: they are deprived of socialization and the most necessary requirements for all children in this world: the family’s loving care. The cumulative combination of several negative factors derived from the ongoing social, political and economic changes in Republic of Armenia have a harmful effect on the welfare of children, hindering in numerous cases their possibilities of full and harmonious development in the family environment. As a result of the hardships felt by the Armenian population since the break-up of the Soviet system and transition into a free market economy, thousands of children are in risk of being separated from their families and forced to live in isolation inside institutions The Armenian Government officially recognizes its responsibility to protect the rights of children and to intervene to assure their safety and development when those responsible for their care are unable to do so. However, most of these institutions, created under the Soviet system, still are ill equipped, some in advanced state of deterioration, lacking adequately trained staff and without the basic resources to cover their recurrent costs, subsisting only thanks to the humanitarian emergency assistance brought by foreign agencies. It is known that among various categories of children in difficult circumstances in Armenia, those affected by mental and/or physical impairments are in most critical conditions, whether they live in institutions or together with their families. Such as it happens in many other countries and societies, Armenian parents of disabled children are confronted with feeling of loss, despair and uncertainty regarding the future of their disabled children. Yet, unlike many countries, Armenian parents do not have other alternatives and/or resources to take care of their children at home. Moreover, culturally induced beliefs in causes of disability determine negative attitudes of families, caregivers and community toward children with impairments, hampering their understanding and acceptance of disability, and consequently, sharping negatively their expectations as regards the child’s future. The move to market relations undermined the centrally planned social support network of the Soviet period, based in low priced for basic goods, free services and virtually guaranteed jobs. During the transition period, the Government of Armenia has been trying to identify the most effective approach for the provision of assistance to the most needy persons, based on principles of social justice. This research describes current situation for children in Armenia, particularly those living in institutions, children living and working on the street and the children with disabilities. It also describes both the overall situation for families and children, as well as the child protective care system, types of care, and conditions of the institutions. This research reasons why children are increasingly at risk in Armenia, but also somehow offers variety of possible solutions.