The plight of orphans under depopulation in Russia Part 4

As we continue with Markova's analysis of orphans in Russia, one impact on the youth is the lack of socialization from homelessness. This would be defined as adults see the world for a normal Russian. Markova uses three criteria to provide the framework for this situation. The youth are at risk medically as they are exposed to health threats on the streets. They lack proper upbringing. Finally they lack education. Markova refers to a survey in which 64% consume alcohol, 27% - narcotics, and almost 30% are sexually active (by age 16, over 70%). These practices increase their risk of disease especially sexually transmitted ones. Those that run away from home and institutions have a habit of repeat escapes from the rigor and discipline at home and in orphanages/technical school. They prefer the freedom of the streets, but do not understand the longer term implications of their actions. I recall researching the number of homeless as higher than those in institutions. Russia has quite a challenge (as do I) to mitigate this issue.