Our Children charity foundation
Inseparable
CSS contribution, rubles
Total budget, rubles
Implementation period, months
Project idea
“Inseparable” is a comprehensive support project for biological and foster families at risk of having their children placed in institutional care.
The project is being implemented in the Demidovsky district of the Smolensk Region and focuses on families where children may be removed due to inadequate care and placed in orphanages.
The project utilizes a case management approach, in which a team of specialists – social workers, psychologists, and lawyers – works under the supervision of coordinators to provide systematic support to each family. This assistance is based on a personalized support plan tailored to the specific needs of the family, while actively involving family members in the process of change. The support offered includes psychological counseling, legal advice, and employment assistance.
The primary goal of the project is to help families overcome crises together and to empower them with the skills needed to manage difficulties independently.
Relevance
The vast majority of children in Russian orphanages (up to 80%) have living parents. However, being placed in an orphanage can cause significant psychological trauma to children, as it disrupts their need for attachment to a significant adult. Furthermore, growing up in social institutions hampers the development of essential life skills needed for adapting to society and leading a successful adult life.
Research and practical experience have shown that providing support to families at the early stages of a crisis can prevent children from being placed in institutions, thus reducing the number of “social orphans.” This approach is also more cost-effective than long-term institutional care.
In economically disadvantaged regions like Smolensk, many families live in poverty, which raises the likelihood of children being removed from their homes.
Most crisis families face significant financial and domestic challenges, and meeting the living standards and safety requirements set by child protection services is often difficult.
Social effect
Prevention of social orphanhood in Demidovsky District, Smolensk Region.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
The “Inseparable” project supported 124 families, housing a total of 294 children. Among them were 45 new families who either sought help independently or were referred by the Smolensk Region’s child protection services. As a result of the project, 28 families have transitioned to post-support status, meaning they are largely self-sufficient, with supervisor visits now taking place only once every three months. These families also receive occasional one-time assistance upon request.
Through the project, families received guidance from psychologists and social workers,
which will contribute to helping children remain with their biological families in the long term.
Humanitarian aid is an integral part of the services provided by the foundation: for families in need in the Demidovsky district, 13 heating stoves were repaired, 17 rooms renovated, 16 vegetable gardens plowed, livestock was purchased and delivered to 25 families, and firewood was distributed to 23 families.
Additionally, the project team procured and delivered food packages to families in need.
All participating families experienced positive changes: their financial situations improved, family relationships strengthened, and the adults began working cooperatively with child protection services toward the shared goal of keeping the children within their families.
According to a survey, the majority of families involved in the project believe that such positive changes would have been unlikely without the support provided by the specialists from the “Our Children” Foundation.
The project team was expanded to include new psychologists and social workers, and a dedicated humanitarian aid department was also created.
Project progress after CSS funding
Following the conclusion of CSS funding, the project will continue to grow, with plans to expand into additional areas of the Smolensk Region and other regions.
An agreement has already been signed with the child protection service’s offices in Smolensk District and the town of Yartsevo. According to guardianship data, over 60 parents from Smolensk region have expressed a desire to participate in similar projects, underscoring the importance of the work accomplished. Additionally, by 2023-2024, the project aims to scale its efforts to a new federal entity, Yaroslavl Region.
State institutions are actively collaborating with the foundation, sending requests to take more families under care.
Financial support for the project will come from fundraising through corporate donations as well as contributions from private donors. Grant support also remains a potential option for the future.
