Russian Child Welfare Specialists Visit New York
In early May 2008, the USAID-supported Assistance to Russian Orphans (ARO) program sponsored a week-long study tour to New York City for six Russian child welfare professionals to observe U.S. models and share lessons learned in family-based (foster) care for orphans. Exposure to international best practices in foster care is essential for Russian specialists at a time when Russian federal and regional authorities are seeking alternatives to institution-based care.
The Russian delegation consisted of winners of a competition to identify best practices in foster care sponsored by the Russian Ministry of Science and Education and conducted by the ARO-implementing partner National Foundation for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NFPCC).
While in New York, the delegation—which included an executive director of an orphanage in Perm, an ombudsman, and regional heads of the Departments of Education in Karelia and Stavropol Kray—attended trainings on post-adoption services, participated in supervision sessions for social workers, visited foster homes, and witnessed family team conferencing. The visit was hosted by the Children’s Aid Society, one of the largest U.S. social service foundations, which has assisted children and families for over 150 years. The visit fostered connections between the Russian child welfare specialists and their American peers.
 |
| Russian child welfare specialists discuss foster care best practices with U.S. experts during a week-long exchange to New York City in May 2008. |
Back to Top ^ |
