Justice for Orphans: A 30-Year Legal Mission

For more than three decades, a dedicated charitable center has stood as a pillar of support for Russia's most vulnerable children. Since its founding in 1991, the organization has focused exclusively on protecting the legal rights of orphans, navigating complex systems to ensure their voices are heard.

The center's mission is built on a foundation of pro bono legal services. Every child, graduate of an orphanage, foster parent, or guardian receives assistance completely free of charge. This commitment is made possible through the generosity of donors and a strategic partnership with the Russian Children's Fund, established in 2010.

The past year demonstrated the scale of the center's operations and the urgent need for its services. In 2025 alone, the legal team provided comprehensive assistance to 711 orphans, addressing a wide range of issues from inheritance disputes to educational rights.

Legal action remains a critical tool in the fight for justice. The center initiated 145 new lawsuits in the interests of orphans and their foster families, navigating the court system to secure favorable outcomes.

The impact of this work is measured not just in cases won, but in lives changed:

• Direct legal representation for vulnerable children
• Advocacy in family and civil courts
• Guidance for foster parents navigating bureaucracy
• Long-term support for graduates of the state care system

While the center addresses numerous legal challenges, housing remains the most acute and persistent problem facing orphans. Securing a permanent home is often the single most important factor in a successful transition to independent adulthood.

Progress in this area is hard-won but significant. In 2025, the center's efforts resulted in 35 orphans receiving housing. Additionally, 80 more individuals were successfully included in official waiting lists, a crucial step toward securing their future homes.

"The housing issue remains the most painful and urgent topic for our clients."

Despite these victories, the demand continues to outpace available resources, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem and the ongoing need for dedicated legal intervention.

The center's philosophy recognizes that while the challenges facing orphans are often systemic, the solutions must be tailored to each individual. Every case is unique, requiring a personalized strategy that considers the specific circumstances and needs of the child or family.

This approach is essential when dealing with the complex intersection of social services, housing law, and family rights. The legal team works to dismantle bureaucratic barriers one case at a time, ensuring that each child's rights are fully protected under the law.

The organization's longevity—over 30 years of continuous operation—speaks to both the enduring nature of these challenges and the effectiveness of its dedicated, case-by-case methodology.

The work of protecting orphans' rights is far from over. As long as systemic barriers exist, there will be a need for specialized legal advocacy that combines expertise with compassion.

The center's continued success depends on sustained support from donors and partners. Each legal victory, each housing secured, represents a step toward a more just system for children who have already faced immense challenges.

The path forward remains clear: continue the fight for individual rights while working to address the systemic issues that make this work necessary in the first place.