The chapters in this Research Note are grouped in three sections. The first section (chapters 2–5) presents the international experiences. The second (chapters 6–7) presents the Russian background, whereas the third section (chapter 8–9) offers an updated presentation of Russian realities as to the placement of orphans.

This report provides baseline information on conditions in orphanages in the Russian Federation. This information addresses three major limitations in the literature on the development of children residing in substandard orphanages and those adopted from such environments.

Russia is home to one of the fastest-growing AIDS epidemics in the world, but the government has done little to address the problem.

This report reviews the faltering progress made in childcare reform across Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union over the 15 years since the ‘orphanages’ of Romania were revealed to the world.

This report presents the survey Kevin Browne and colleagues conducted in 33 European countries to identify the number and characteristics of children less than three placed in residential care without their parents for more than three months during the year ending December 31, 2003. The purpose was to assess the rate and cost of residential care as a response to children in adversity.

Assessment of the care system, domestic adoption, and international adoption in Ukraine with a summary of key findings and recommendations.

Reports on the financial costs of residential care for children in the Republic of Moldova. Highlights significant financial inefficiencies and advocates for closure of residential institutions.

Minimum standards for day care centers in Romania.

Outlines minimum standards for the operation of a day care center for children with disabilities in Romania.

Provides a framework for analysis of community-based social welfare services and linkages with government structures. Includes analysis of alternative care provision, de-institutionalization, programming for children with disabilities, standards of care, and overall social welfare sector reform.