Upbringing orphans: Specifics and results

Abstract

Organizations for orphans and children without parental care (hereinafter referred to as organizations for orphans) were initially established as educational institutions. However, persistent social maladaptation among their graduates highlights the need for a thorough examination and enhancement of upbringing practices within such organizations. In recent years, both theoretical studies and practical efforts have increasingly focused on this area. Over the past three years, Russian National Congresses of heads of organizations for orphans have prominently featured issues related to upbringing. Organizations for orphans have been monitored for upbringing practices and training programs developed for the teachers of orphans now embrace the aspects of upbringing. Contemporary research links effective upbringing practices with targeted efforts to foster post-traumatic growth in students. The study analyzed the data from a survey of 467 deputy directors for upbringing, extracurricular activities and moral and values education of organizations for orphans from 70 regions of Russia. The study found that the number of organizations for orphans with a structured upbringing program is on the increase. It also showed that upbringing practices in organizations for orphans depend on social, psychological and medical status of students and their age. The data analysis identified the key areas and forms of upbringing and factors that reduce their effectiveness. It also revealed that organizations for orphans rely heavily on infrastructural resources. Besides, the study outlined the indicators of upbringing effectiveness. The reported findings and relevant materials contribute to initiative 86 ‘Creating family-like conditions in organizations for orphans’ and 88 ‘Development of professional requirements to educators working in organizations for orphans’. The initiatives are included in the Action Plan developed within the framework of the Decade of Childhood 2018–2027 (Order No. 122-R, 23 January 2021).