Upon turning 18, guardianship concluded: How should the issue of young people abandoned on the streets be resolved?

The fate of those who grew up in orphanages and boarding schools, deprived of parental care, after the age of 18, has been one of the social problems discussed for many years. These young people must embark on an independent life and provide for themselves after reaching the age of 18.

However, in practice, this transitional phase often leads to severe social consequences. Due to unemployment, difficulties in social adaptation, and lack of supervision, some young people turn to street life and harmful habits.

Regarding the topic, Aztəhsil.az reports, based on an interview given to Oxu.az, that  Kamala Aghazade, chairwoman of the "Azerbaijan Children" Public Union, stated that the issue is not limited to the post-18 age phase; the problem begins at an earlier stage:

"If a child is placed in an institution, it means there have been moments in their life when they could not fully experience their childhood. This could be an intra-family conflict, violence, or another traumatic event. A special approach to such children is essential".

She emphasized that they must undergo a special rehabilitation phase before being placed in orphanages:

"A child moves from one environment to a completely different one. Special programs must be developed for their emergence from crisis and adaptation to the collective. Otherwise, the child merely stays in the institution but does not develop psychologically and socially".

K. Aghazade noted that one of the important problems is the approach to education:

"How many adolescents leaving boarding schools today receive higher or vocational education? I can cite few examples. The main focus should be on their concentration on education. The goal is not for everyone to have a bachelor's degree. They can also make a significant contribution in the service sector".

She stated that legislation creates certain opportunities for young people pursuing education even after the age of 18:

"If a young person is studying, state guardianship continues. They have the opportunity to remain in the institution until they complete university or a master's program. However, a working young person can no longer stay in the orphanage. At this point, the issue of rent arises, and the question emerges: How effective will education be under such circumstances?"

K. Aghazade also spoke about the experience of the institution she leads and stated that motivation and continuous accompaniment are key factors:

"Currently, 14 of our girls are studying at universities and colleges. Ten of them are involved in SOCAR's 10-month training and internship program. These programs are free for children, and as a result, real employment opportunities are created".

She also shared a specific success story:

"We had a young person who consistently read books. We recognized their potential and hired additional tutors. They were admitted to university, and we resolved the dormitory issue. But we did not cut ties. Today, they are a department head at one of the well-known companies and also develops support programs for young people".

K. Aghazade believes that an institution should not merely be a place for a child to stay, but their home:

"Just as a child living with parents does not leave the family after the age of 18, these children should also be provided with the same opportunities until they are fully developed. This work must begin at a very early age, and serious reforms must be carried out in child institutions".

Jeyhun Mammadov, a Member of the Milli Majlis, stated that the issue requires a systematic approach:

"Until the age of 18, children receive state support and allocated funds. However, after 18, they are expected to work. Education is provided so that their fates do not remain uncertain".

The deputy noted that special attention should be paid to the employment of young people in this category:

"It is possible to take concrete steps to ensure they do not remain without care. Particularly, a more sensitive and targeted approach should be adopted regarding employment".

According to experts, legal mechanisms alone are not sufficient to integrate young people deprived of parental care into society. Continuous social accompaniment, quality education, vocational skills, and real employment opportunities are among the essential conditions.