Russia (MNN) ― Russia's orphan population is roughly 700,000. Of that, about a quarter of them are in some kind of institution or working with a group. A high population of children who are growing up with little or no guidance from their families find themselves in impossible circumstances as they approach adulthood. One statistic shows that on their own, one in 10 orphans will make to their 21st birthday.
The picture remains grim even for those who are in the system. When Russian orphans turn 15 or 16, they "age out" of the orphanage system. Too often, they go back into the streets ill equipped to handle life on their own. Many fall prey to prostitution or substance abuse, or both. The suicide rates are skyrocketing.
One Russian study reported that of the 15,000 orphans aging out of state-run institutions every year, 10 percent committed suicide, 5,000 were unemployed, 6,000 were homeless, and 3,000 were behind bars within three years of leaving the orphanage.
Amy Norton with Orphan Outreach says their response is to bring mentors into the lives of these young people. Their program is now four months old. "Our goal is to have a Christian social worker who is walking alongside these kids, helping them with a very difficult time in their life, transition into independent life. We hope to also tie-in the local church and get the local church supporting these kids before they leave the orphanage, mentoring them and taking them in."
It's the difference between life and death for many. "There are very, very few programs that are doing anything like this. But in talking to some of the kids who have had help, it's made a tremendous difference. It's really the difference between them having a future and having a life that is productive, as well as spiritual, and them truly just being lost to the street."
For details on how you can help,
