Such a phenomenon as orphanhood is quite common in all parts of the world, but each state has its own approach to solving this social problem and seeks to effectively eliminate its pronounced character.
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the problem of orphanage and homelessness has acquired a special, pronounced character. As a result of two world wars, a great many children lost not only their parents, but also a roof over their heads. These events contributed to the development of children's law, which included the concept of child welfare. The state took responsibility for the implementation of activities to create conditions for the physical and mental development of children, as well as the function of guardianship. It is worth noting the importance of international documents and declarations adopted by the international community in order to ensure the right of the child in all countries.
In the modern world, the problem of abandoned children does not lose its relevance. At the moment, the phenomenon of social orphanhood has taken on special significance. It implies the refusal of parents from educational functions due to the impossibility or unwillingness to carry them out. In this case, children with living parents become social orphans. The main reasons for this step are: firstly, the voluntary abandonment of the parents of the child; secondly, the loss by the parents of the child due to natural disasters or social upheavals; thirdly, deprivation of parental rights.
Even in specialized institutions where orphans are fully supported by the state and receive financial support, they are faced with psychological problems that only a family home could solve. They lack the proper attention from adults, warm feelings and emotional support. That is why the state, relying on current legislation, gives preference to family forms of placement of children, since under conditions of parental care the child successfully develops and goes through the process of socialization.
Of particular importance is social work with this category of children. The content of activities to support orphans is to protect their rights, social rehabilitation and adaptation, assistance in finding employment, as well as providing housing. Fulfillment of the tasks presented lies with the guardianship and trusteeship authorities. However, at the initial stage, the main goal is to identify children in difficult life situations. A child may become a victim of negligent parents who have forgotten about their educational functions due to alcohol dependence, or because of the inability to provide its maintenance.
