Russia: Orphanages on Trial
February 11, 2013Advertisement
In the past, many Russian orphans were adopted by couples from the US and Western Europea. Many of them are what are called “social orphans” – meaning they have at least one living parent, but have been relinquished by the latter to the state. Now American families are banned from Russian adoptions entirely. President Putin has said that the country can care for its own children. In reality, however, Russian orphanages have a reputation for abysmal conditions. Apart from a few showcase orphanages, the majority of children’s homes are closed to public scrutiny.