Foreign experience of social assistance to children who became orphans and were left without parental care due to the consequences of war

Abstract

The article explores international experiences in providing social assistance to orphans and children deprived of parental care due to military conflicts, considering various approaches and support mechanisms. It outlines that different countries utilize both cash and in-kind forms of assistance, including educational subsidies, healthcare support, and social services. Special attention is given to programs implemented in African, Latin American, and European countries. It has been established that, in the context of limited resources typical for many conflict-affected countries, local initiatives and support from international organizations become particularly important.

The article reveals the challenges associated with providing one-time cash payments, which can sometimes lead to social tensions and inequalities in resource distribution within families caring for orphans. It is identified that one of the effective alternatives is the creation of trust funds or providing payments in the form of microfinance, which helps orphans better integrate into society and avoid the risks of improper use of funds. Recommendations are formulated for the implementation of social programs aimed at the long-term development of children who have lost parental care, including the provision of educational vouchers and support for improving their access to healthcare services.

It has also been found that providing assistance to orphans should take into account the specific needs of different social groups, particularly girls, who often face additional challenges in retaining financial benefits. Specifically, programs in Latin America have demonstrated the effectiveness of using educational subsidies to improve school attendance among orphans. The importance of cross-sectoral coordination, as applied in Rwanda, is highlighted for ensuring comprehensive support for unaccompanied children.