The plight of orphans under depopulation in Russia Part 5

A study was conducted in Moscow on the views of homeless orphans. They exhibited a loss of love with family and friends, a struggle with trying to learn in the educational system, and their maturing in personal growth has ceased. The young people faced a dilemma of the "freedom" living in the streets when they tried to adapt to the normal socialization process in Russia. The need for indulgence tended to override the restraint required to operate in the standard socialization process.

Russia is trying to mitigate the problem with foster care. Although comparing figures is much more complex, Russia provides a lump sum of of 8,000 Rubles ($180) and a monthly salary and child support of 6,500 ($150). The US has quite a complicated system for foster care, but I put a rough order of magnitude of $1,500 per month per child. With a Consumer Price index (Cost of living) in Russia of 62 and 76 for the US, the incentive may not be enough in Russia to grow the foster program. Time will tell. Markova believes the foster care program as an alternative care to the family will help the orphan situation.

This series follows: Markova, N. E. (2011). Social Orphanhood Under the Conditions of Depopulation. Russian Education & Society, 53(5), 85-92. doi: 10.2753/res1060-9393530507