Ombudsmen for children's rights to be introduced in each RF region in

MOSCOW, January 2 (Itar-Tass) -- The institutions of ombudsmen for
children's rights must be created in each of Russia's regions in 2011, the
official website of Russia's commissioner of children's rights Pavel
Astakhov reports.
Astakhov pledges he would do his best to have a special law be passed
to establish an institution of children's rights ombudsmen in each of the
regions as "an independent, mission capable body." So far, in his word,
such institutions are lacking in 10 Russian regions.
In 2011, it is planned to hold training seminars and conferences for
regional ombudsmen. According to Astakhov, "many regions have some
solutions to share with others, such as solutions to housing problems,
social support to families, work with children in socially dangerous
situations."
He promises to continue efforts to find foster homes for orphans, to
help problem families, to prevent children's and family problems, to
encourage adoptions.
Among key tasks for the year, Astakhov cites "conversion of children's
homes into family support centres," including foster families. In his
words, it is the only way to bring down the number of orphans in the
country.
The 2011 plans also include measure to toughen laws protecting
children from abuse, violence, and molestation. Moreover, members of
Russia's regional legislatures, parliaments and municipalities "will be
recommended to take under their personal patronage children's institutions
in their regions."
Apart from it, "in 2011, boards of trustees are to be set up at all
institutions for children that would involve not just specialists but the
youth as well."