Armenian Government Initiates Major Reorganization of Childcare Facilities
Yerevan, Armenia, March 26 – The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has announced a significant restructuring of state-run institutions dedicated to the care and upbringing of children. The government’s forthcoming agenda includes several projects for the merger and renaming of existing facilities, particularly impacting those in Gyumri and Yerevan.
Currently, the Ministry oversees 10 State Non-Commercial Organizations (SNCOs), with four providing round-the-clock childcare. These include the “Kharberd Specialized Orphanage,” “Gyumri Children’s Home,” “Mari Izmirlyan Orphanage,” and “Yerevan Children’s Home.” Additionally, six Child and Family Support Centers operate under the Ministry’s purview: the “Shirak Province Child and Family Support Center,” “Yerevan ‘Zatik’ Child Support Center,” “Syunik Province Child and Family Support Center,” “Yerevan Child and Family Support Center,” “Yerevan Ajapnyak Community Children’s Social Care Center,” and “Lori Province Child and Family Support Center” SNCOs.
Consolidation and Renaming in Yerevan and Gyumri
Key proposals on the government’s agenda include the merger of the “Yerevan Ajapnyak Administrative District Children’s Social Care Center” and the “Yerevan Child and Family Support Center” SNCOs with the “Yerevan ‘Zatik’ Child Support Center” SNCO. The merged entity will be renamed the “Yerevan Child and Family Support Center.” New branches are planned for the Ajapnyak and Nubarashen administrative districts.
Another project outlines the merger of the “Mari Izmirlyan Orphanage” SNCO with the “Yerevan Children’s Home” SNCO, establishing a new Mari Izmirlyan branch. Similarly, the “Shirak Province Child and Family Support Center” SNCO is slated to merge with the “Gyumri Children’s Home” SNCO, with subsequent renaming and the creation of a Gyumri branch.
Goals of the Reorganization
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs aims to enhance the efficiency of childcare and protection services, particularly for children in difficult life situations. While specific details on the anticipated benefits were not immediately released, the reorganization is expected to streamline operations, improve resource allocation, and potentially introduce new models of care, such as foster families, which were highlighted in a related publication from 2016 as a more effective form of care.
This initiative reflects a broader governmental effort to reform social welfare systems and ensure better outcomes for vulnerable children across Armenia. The proposed changes are part of ongoing efforts to adapt and improve social services in response to evolving needs and best practices.
Further details regarding the implementation timeline and the precise impact on beneficiaries and staff are expected to be released as the government’s agenda progresses.
