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The Governor and the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights held a meeting at the regional government.
Oleg Melnichenko reported on the results of the pilot project "Prevention of Social Orphanhood Among Children Under 4 Years Old," being implemented in Penza Oblast with the support of Maria Lvova-Belova.
"Thanks to this project, from March 2023 to December 2024, 99 young children were transferred from orphanages to families. Of these, 68 were reunited with their biological families, 24 were placed under guardianship, and two children were adopted," stated the head of the region.
Monitoring of at-risk families with children under 4 years old is conducted on an ongoing basis in Penza Oblast. Social services are provided under the "Early Assistance" program. Three Family Multifunctional Centers are operating: in the Oktyabrsky and Zheleznodorozhny districts of Penza, as well as in the Serdobsky district.
"Since the beginning of this year alone, more than two thousand families have received support in these centers. This year, we plan to open a Family MFC in the Zemetchinsky district," noted the governor.
At the end of 2024, Penza Oblast hosted a nationwide inspection of the social orphanhood prevention system. Advisors from the Office of the Presidential Commissioner visited the region to analyze the interagency work of guardianship authorities, juvenile commissions, and specialists from social services, healthcare, and education systems.
"Regarding the inspection conducted by my advisors -- we have prepared recommendations that will help improve the situation," said Maria Lvova-Belova while handing over the materials.
"It is important that every child in Penza grows up in a prosperous family," emphasized Oleg Melnichenko.
The governor also informed the Children's Rights Commissioner about the completion of the reorganization of the Children's Home in Kuznetsk. It has now become a branch of the Regional Social Rehabilitation Center for Children and Young Disabled People in Kichkileika.
"We will equip the Kuznetsk institution with modern rehabilitation equipment," announced the head of the region.
Photo by Penza Oblast Government Press Service