Ministry of Social Affairs May Take Over Care of Children at 'Bird House' Night Shelter

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia is concerned about the fate of children in the 'Bird House' night shelter and is ready to take over their care if necessary.

It is worth noting that the Ministry has developed a comprehensive program for implementing children’s right to live in a family. This program includes the closure of both state and non-state round-the-clock and night care institutions, focusing support primarily on the families of these children and preventing their entry into such institutions. In cases where this is not possible, the program aims to ensure further care for the child in a substitute family through adoption, guardianship, or foster care.

In this regard, the situation surrounding the non-state night shelter 'Bird House' is problematic due to its unforeseen and hasty nature. However, it creates a new opportunity for the children cared for there to realize their right to live in a family.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has discussed the issue with the Governor of Shirak Province, resulting in the initiation of an assessment process of the needs of the children at the institution.

Emphasizing the realization of children's right to live in a family and the government’s policy of deinstitutionalization, the Ministry is prepared to take steps to organize the further care of children in the 'Bird House' night shelter in biological families. If this is not possible, temporary round-the-clock care will be ensured at the 'Gyumri Fridtjof Nansen Children's Care No. 2' state institution and in children's day care centers.