Abandoned Children in Kazakhstan: Lack of State Support & Systemic Issues

Almaty, Kazakhstan – Despite recent legislative reforms, children abandoned or otherwise separated from parental care in Kazakhstan continue to face systemic challenges, including insufficient state support, inadequately trained social workers, and assistance that often fails to meet the real needs of vulnerable children.

According to national statistics, in 2023, there were 21,387 children considered abandoned or without parental care in Kazakhstan. Of these, 15,668 were placed with family members, 1,660 in foster families, and 3,727 in state-run care facilities. A further 7,731 families experiencing hardship were registered with authorities, encompassing 12,432 children.

The issue extends beyond simply providing shelter. A recent study, conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, involving 32 professionals in the field, reveals a disconnect between legislative intent and practical implementation. While the state has taken steps to improve conditions, the support systems remain fragile and often reactive rather than preventative.

Reported Cases Often Funnel Through Police Intervention

Most cases of children at risk are initially reported by schools. Less frequently, reports originate from neighbors, family members, or medical and pre-school institutions. These reports are typically handled by the juvenile police, then passed on to care facilities and ultimately to the Commission for the Protection of the Rights of Minors.

The Commission makes a decision regarding the child’s welfare within a timeframe of 15 to 20 minutes. Critically, the study found limited social service involvement in this initial assessment, with follow-up largely handled by police, often the juvenile brigade. “We can sometimes provide support. If someone is on the path to rehabilitation, we try to help them meet their family’s needs in the future,” explained Matvei, a member of the juvenile police brigade.

Legislative Efforts Hampered by Implementation Gaps

Following amendments to Kazakh legislation in 2024 – known as the Saltanat Law – new support centers were slated to open nationwide to provide assistance to families in difficulty. These amendments came into effect on June 12, 2024, but progress has been hampered by delays in recruiting and training personnel, and in developing appropriate social work methodologies.

“The problem is that the centers were built, but staff training began much later. People worked for six months, but not in the right direction. Mobile groups were formed, but people weren’t prepared,” stated Elena, a child mediator. The legislation stipulated that children from vulnerable families should also benefit from these centers, with reports to be forwarded within one working day.

Mismatch Between Family Needs and Available Support

However, the assistance offered often doesn’t align with the actual needs of families. Families facing hardship due to divorce or illness, for example, currently lack a clear pathway for intervention. The centers are not equipped to support victims of domestic violence unless physical violence is present, limiting their scope of assistance to facilitating access to existing services.

Prevention efforts remain underdeveloped. While Kazakhstan implements programs to prevent delinquency, illness, suicide, and bullying, no targeted initiatives specifically address the prevention of child abandonment.

The Role of Guardianship Authorities and Monitoring

A significant concern highlighted in reports is the lack of a robust system of support and monitoring by guardianship authorities and social services. This leaves children vulnerable and hinders effective intervention.

A Shift in Nomenclature, But Not in Practice

Officially, Kazakhstan no longer uses the term “orphanage.” Institutions for orphans and abandoned children have been rebranded as “centers for children requiring special social services.” However, the national statistics bureau and public service websites continue to use the term “orphanage.” This semantic shift has not yet translated into substantial changes on the ground.

The study revealed persistent issues of violence and corruption within these institutions, reflecting broader societal challenges. Reports from the past five years detail concerning incidents, including a high mortality rate among disabled children at a specialized boarding school in Ayagoz in May 2020, allegations of children being physically restrained at a facility in Atyraou in August 2021, and suspicions of embezzlement of funds at an orphanage in Pavlodar in February 2023.

“There are cases [of violence]. We heard about a child who was placed in an institution for two or three years where he suffered sexual and physical abuse. No one intervened, and then he was placed in a foster family who were unaware. The most interesting thing is that everyone knew – the educators and the director – but they couldn’t do anything,” recounted Tokhtar, a representative of a non-governmental organization.

Staffing Shortages and Limited Training

The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of qualified personnel and a lack of coordination among local authorities. Social workers are often overburdened and lack the time and resources to provide in-depth support to families. The absence of 24/7 emergency services further complicates matters, leaving interventions to police and medical personnel who may not have specialized training.

While the government has announced plans to increase staffing levels in child protection services, concerns remain about the lack of specialized training for newly recruited personnel. Many will be drawn from teaching, law, and other fields without specific expertise in social work.

A Focus on Punishment Over Support

The lack of specialized training also leads to a tendency to prioritize punitive measures over support, and assistance. “People don’t know how to provide support or help; they only think about punishment,” observed Aigerim, from a psychological support center.

Moving Towards Family-Based Care

Recent efforts have focused on promoting family-based care, including professional foster families. However, Kazakhstan lacks the necessary social infrastructure and qualified professionals to effectively select, prepare, and support these families.

Despite positive intentions, the current system suffers from inefficiencies, a lack of staff stability, and a decline in public trust. Effective protection of children’s rights requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and a commitment to providing children with a safe and nurturing environment.

Aigerim Mousabalinova
Doctor of Social Sciences and Child Rights Advocate
For CABAR.asia

Translated from the Russian by Celeste de Ploëg

Edited by Sixtine Varenne