Abstract

The aim of this situation analysis is to delineate the background, the root causes, actual living conditions, and services provided for orphans, children in residential institutions, and the developmentally disabled community in Armenia. There were four primary methodologies employed throughout the duration of this research so as to pursue a qualitative assessment delineating the conditions and situation of said populations: a) Review and analysis of background documents, project reports, organizational publications, base-line data surveys, etc. (see List of References) b) The application of Surveys, Questionnaires, Interviews, and the application of personal (oral) testimonies with government officials, representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), professionals, and social service practitioners, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and families of aforementioned populations. c) Site visits & tours, and interviews with the directors, staff, and beneficiaries within Armenia's institutions, boarding schools, and orphanages. d) Field research via volunteer opportunities within the institutions/orphanages and organizations working for the benefit and empowerment of the aforementioned populations, as well as 'walking the streets' of Yerevan so as to identify and survey children living, working or abandoned to the streets. The application of this four-tiered methodological approach throughout this research has allowed for a process in which to cross-validate the base-line data, information, different sources, views and subjective opinions surrounding these topics. Based on the data and information gathered in Armenia between the dates of 11/15/01 - 05/16/02 for the purposes of this situation analysis, such research will aid the activities and operations of 501(c) 3 corporations looking to strategize a potential course of action, offer programmatic support, or engage in organizational purposes of such a 'charitable' cause that will; further social services in Armenia, assure the continued investment into and/or development of civil society and grassroots initiatives within Armenia, facilitate partnerships between NGOs and governmental agencies, and to advocate for such policies, programs, and operations that will strengthen, promote, empower, and support Armenian families so as to keep thousands of children and the developmental disabled community out of residential institutions.

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