Children from Residential Institutions Will Be Returned to Families

Children in residential institutions whose return is not considered risky will be reunited with their families. This was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, Zaruhi Batoyan, during a question-and-answer session with the government in the National Assembly, responding to the inquiry of Arman Abovyan, the secretary of the Prosperous Armenia faction.

“The closure of residential institutions is a continuation of a program that has long been initiated, and it is part of the government's policy aimed at reuniting children with their families and realizing their right to live in a family. In collaboration with partner organizations, individual support programs have been developed, and the issues that hinder their right to live in a family must be addressed through these organizations, which means providing material support and improving living conditions. Only those children whose return is possible, that is, who are not considered risky, will return to their families,” said Batoyan.

The minister noted that for children whose return to families will not be possible, crisis centers will be established in Gyumri, Kapan, and Yerevan. Addressing the issue of unemployment among staff of residential institutions, Batoyan stated that the State Employment Agency is dealing with this issue.

“An assessment of the individual needs of the employees is being conducted to ensure their placement in new jobs. This issue is also under our attention,” the minister added.