Regulatory and legal bases of social work with children without parental care

Abstract

The main reasons for the increase in the number of children without parental care are the decline in the social prestige of the family, its financial and housing difficulties, interethnic conflicts, an increase in the illegitimate birth rate, a high percentage of parents leading an antisocial lifestyle. In this regard, the protection of the rights and interests of orphans and children without parental care is becoming extremely important in the Russian Federation. The Family Code defines that the activities of legal entities and individuals other than guardianship and custody authorities to identify and place children without parental care are not allowed. This prohibition also applies to intermediary activities for the transfer of children for adoption, under custody (guardianship) or for upbringing in a family. In order to provide appropriate assistance, it is crucial to identify children without parental care in a timely manner. In accordance with Article 125 of the Family Code, the resolution of these issues is the responsibility of the guardianship and custody authorities at the children’s actual place of residence. In order to improve the situation of orphans and children without parental care, the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation «On Priority Measures to Improve the Situation of Children Without Parental Care» dated May 14, 2015 No. 374 was adopted. This document defines a 2‑fold increase in monetary benefits provided for children at the time of learning to purchase the necessary literature and accessories. The norms of financial support for orphans and children without parental care have been identified and extended to children transferred to foster families and family-type orphanages. The solution of these tasks is carried out within the framework of the implementation of the subprograms «Healthy Generation», «Gifted Children» and «Children and Family». It is important to note that the Federal Law provides for the development of targeted programs by the executive authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation for the protection of the rights of orphans and children without parental care. The development of family policy, which, first of all, is aimed at strengthening the family as a social institution and preserving family values, is an urgent direction of state work. Educational institutions and teachers, in particular, are working hard with parents and children in order to return children to their families.