Citation

Balachova TN, Bonner BL, Levy S. Int. J. Soc. Welf. 2009; 18(1): 27-44.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-2397.2008.00573.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article examines the historical evolution of the development of social policy toward street children in Russia and makes recommendations for prevention. The historical examination begins with the Soviet period, when statistics on social problems were not publicly known. It continues through the post‐Soviet period when there was an emerging awareness about the increasing number of abused, abandoned children and children living on the streets. Etiological factors, such as child maltreatment and parental substance abuse, are then discussed. Based on these etiological factors, the article then proposes a model in which existing institutions and professionals are supported in facilitating an integrated system of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. This includes improving child protection services and interventions to prevent children leaving their homes, early identification of children who are becoming involved in street life and a continuum of care for children who cannot return home.