Balazhan direction
International experience and various studies have repeatedly proved that it is the family that gives the child a model, nurtures family values and prepares the foundation on which a new home will be built.
That is why in 2017, the Fund launched the transformation program of children’s residential institutions “Balazhan” with the aim of reorienting the staff of institutions from keeping children in institutions to preventing child abandonment and promoting family placement.
Transformation
Orphanages into
Child and Family Support Centres (CFSC)
Infant Homes into
Medical and Social Rehabilitation Centres (MSRC)
About the pilot project
2018
In 2018, the Fund applied to the SPI “Specialized Children’s Home” of the akimat of Astana with the initiative to implement the transformation program. The initiative was supported and today the specialized institution of the capital fully operates in the new format.
All groups work on a “Just like home” approach, where caregivers take on the role of “close adult”.
There is a day group for children from families in difficult life situations, as well as a day rehabilitation group for children with special needs.
2021
In 2021, the Fund came forward with the initiative to introduce the program in Akmola region. Today, between the Fund and akimat of Almaty region there is a memorandum on implementation of the program of transformation of children’s boarding institutions in the region in pilot mode.
Results of the pilot project
Akkol children’s home has been transformed into a Child support center. Three full-time social pedagogues have been introduced.
All institutions are preparing children for family placement completing their paperwork.
144 staff members have been trained and will subsequently train their staff.
Training of candidates for foster families has been launched in the cities of district significance – Sandyktau and Akkol
The first experimental groups have been established: no more than 8 children, with permanent caregivers as “close adults”.
