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 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.

A brief overview of foster care practice in the UK, Australia, South Africa, Uganda, and Tanzania. It includes information and lessons learnt on how caregivers are recruited and trained in these countries, how a child is placed, and how family support services are offered.

This report assesses the expenditure which is required to transform foster care services across the UK, in order to give children in public care the same opportunities to have a successful future as other children. Contains relevant statistics and social welfare system reform recommendations.

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.

This document is a literature review for the purpose of determining the drivers of social exclusion.  Its objectives were to: 1) determine the current drivers; 2) determine emerging drivers that might have a future impact on social inclusion; 3) Assess the relative strength of drivers.

A comparative analysis of protection and care systems across Europe, focusing on the use of institutions, alternative forms of care placements, family support services, and the role of social workers in the process of child placement.

Review of information relevant to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young people in the UK. Focus on abuse through prostitution; abuse through pornography; and child trafficking.

This report contains an overview of alternative care in Europe, the effects of institutions on children, statistical information and the different approaches of child protection systems within Europe. It includes reforming institutional care, foster care, post-care support, and the role of the social worker.

This report reviews childcare policy for separated children in the Central Europe and the Balkan States. It emphasizes the need to establish training, resources and effective procedures in order to meet the standards outlined in the Statement of Good Practice. Data from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia is presented.