There are an estimated 16,000 youth living on the streets of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Between the ages of 16 and 18 years old, young people age out of the orphanages. Every year in the Russian Federation 25,000 teenagers leave the state orphanage system, too old to remain in the care of the state. Although it is intended that they will attend university or vocational school, 90% end up on the streets because they are not able to transition.
Within the first year of leaving these orphanages, over 50% are involved in prostitution or crime. Another 30% are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and 10% commit suicide.
The government does provide a series of social and financial supports to orphan graduates such as an apartment, financial compensation, and linkages to social service centers. Those working with youth, however, believe that these supports are not adequate enough to offset the deprivation and dependency that occur as a result of living in an orphanage.
"Virtually all general social organizations say, in regard to these orphan graduates, that nothing and no one can help them. 'Restoration House' is one of the few organizations that decided to disagree". (Source - Pravda Newspaper November 8, 2012)
At Restoration House we are a continuing 'support system' designed to give every young person the opportunity to start a new life, get a job, further their education, and acquire necessary life skills. The Restoration House staff helps residents with getting passports, retrieving school records, making new documents, preparing for court hearings, providing food, shelter, and a healthy environment to young people ages 18-25 who have been living on the street or who are without a home.
(Testimonial from one of the leading social workers in Saint Petersburg, Russia)
"Young people ages 18-25 who have been through the orphanages, living on the streets, prisons, who have serious diseases, and addictions as well as many other problems (including absence of documents and places to live) do not easily get settled in different rehabilitation centers. They seem to be more comfortable with staying and going through their rehabilitation at Restoration House, along with their peers. I am persuaded that even a short stay at the Restoration House has a positive influence upon health and hearts of those who stay there. Also, it is very important for these young people to know that there are those who care, who are ready to listen to them, accept them, and ready to help them".
Sincerely,
Sergey Rysanov Social work of Project Children.org
