Report

On the Activities of the Department of Children and Social Protection of Yerevan Municipality in 2025

The Department of Children and Social Protection of Yerevan Municipality actively cooperates with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, administrative districts, local branches of the Unified Social Service, orphanages, child care and support centers, as well as various organizations operating in the field of social protection.
The Department provided consultations to citizens on matters within its competence.
Monitoring visits were conducted to the child protection and social welfare divisions of the administrative districts to supervise complex cases, evaluate the results of implemented programs, and support ongoing initiatives. Methodological guidance and support were also provided.
Inspection visits were carried out to non-governmental organizations that had received financial support from the Department to deliver services to vulnerable groups.
Meetings with program beneficiaries were held to assess their needs and make proposals to the respective divisions of the administrative districts.
Department staff actively participated in various discussions, meetings, and trainings. To enhance the effectiveness of activities carried out by the administrative districts, regular meetings were held with the child protection and social welfare divisions of administrative districts.

Social Protection Sector

Programs implemented in cooperation with public organizations
In 2025, the number of beneficiaries increased by 20%.
In cooperation with the “Mental Health Awareness Initiative” NGO, the pilot program “Emotional Support Hotline” was launched to provide professional services. The successful implementation of the pilot program led to the establishment of a national emotional support hotline service. 
Prioritizing the needs of people with hearing impairments, Yerevan Municipality supports the “Empowering the Deaf Community for Inclusion” program. As a result of this initiative, remote sign language interpretation services are now available throughout the Republic of Armenia. Through the support provided to the “Armenian Deaf Association” NGO, citizens have the opportunity to receive sign language interpretation services in healthcare and educational institutions, as well as in other public institutions. In 2025, 4,737 calls were received.
Given the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, the Department supports the “Hans Christian Kofoed” Charitable Foundation. Based on monthly utility bills submitted by the Foundation, financial assistance was provided to cover electricity, gas, and water expenses. Approximately 100 individuals experiencing homelessness benefit from the organization’s services. 
Yerevan Municipality also supports the “Step Forward” Social NGO, with the aim to address the challenges faced by children, adolescents, and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families. Financial support enabled the organization to provide free therapeutic services to approximately 120 children with disabilities, including those in need of social support.
Support was provided to the “SOURCE” Foundation for Supporting Children with Disabilities and Their Families as part of the Municipality’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a local self-government body. The Foundation implements programs aimed at improving the quality of life and promoting the physical and mental development of 160 children living with rare diseases and disabilities.
With the support extended to the “Child Development Foundation” NGO, assistance was provided to 50 children from families facing difficult life circumstances. Services included socio-psychological support, speech and language therapy, special education services, music therapy, and more.
The “Armenian Association of the Blind” NGO received support to organize a concert entitled ‘You Are the Big Dream of Our Small Land,’ aimed at promoting employment opportunities for participants, who are singers and musicians with visual impairments.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, the “Union of Veterans of Armenia named after Marshal Baghramyan” NGO received support to assist 21 veterans.
As a result of the support extended to ‘Mission Armenia’ PAP, 2,734 beneficiaries have access to a comprehensive range of social, psychological, legal, and other support services. The majority of beneficiaries are elderly individuals who are provided with meals, participate in interest groups, and engage in daytime activities. Another component of the program delivers services to children with disabilities.
Yerevan Municipality supported the “Inclusive Summer Camp” program implemented by the “Full Life” NGO for Promoting an Inclusive Society. The program enabled approximately 150 children and their caregivers to spend their summer vacation at the organization’s inclusive camp in Stepanavan and benefit from a range of services.
The “Prkutyun” NGO received financial support to cover utility expenses. The organization provides services to approximately 60 children with intellectual disabilities living in various administrative districts of Yerevan.

Introduction of Social Services
Recognizing the importance of establishing a Community Non-Commercial Organization (CNCO) to deliver social services in Yerevan, the Municipality has taken the necessary steps to set up an appropriate institutional framework for social service delivery.
As part of the cooperation between Yerevan–Cambridge Sister Cities Association, best practices from Cambridge were reviewed and their potential adaptation in Yerevan was assessed.
To strengthen the community-based social services system and ensure comprehensive professional support, a foundational framework for organizing community-level services was developed through a procurement process. This included the design of an integrated system encompassing legal, social, psychological, and rehabilitation services. The project aims to establish a new Community Non-Commercial Organization (CNCO) that will provide person-centered support and deliver evidence-based services for vulnerable groups, in line with international standards and established best practices.
Within the framework of the project, a two-day professional workshop was held, bringing together relevant departments of the Municipality and representatives of the administrative districts to provide the exchange of experience and professional reviews. A concluding discussion was also organized, with the participation of civil society representatives.
At the same time, a meeting was held at Yerevan Municipality. During the meeting, the study findings were presented, expert feedback was provided, and the draft documents were revised. As a result, a comprehensive model framework and the complete set of required documentation were finalized to support the design and launch of community-based social services and the establishment of the CNCO.

Social Support Provided to the Elderly
A total of 55 inbound tours were organized for approximately 1,100 elderly participants to various spots across the Republic of Armenia, including Garni, Geghard, Stepanavan, Sevan, Tatev Monastery, Dilijan, Noravank, and others. Each group was accompanied by a social worker, a nurse, and a tour guide. Since individuals in this group typically have limited opportunities to participate in events and tours, the program gave them a chance for leisure activities, while also promoting new social connections.

Social Programs for Persons with Disabilities
Within the framework of social programs (specifically the social taxi service) technical specification documents were developed in previous years and submitted as part of the public procurement process to ensure service delivery. However, given the specific requirements of the program, no bids were received.
The experience of Great Britain was subsequently explored. A comprehensive, multi-layered methodology was provided, and a revised technical specification document was developed, taking into account existing cooperation with sectoral organizations and the needs of persons with disabilities. As a result, a company was selected through the procurement process; however, it ultimately declined to implement the program.
Support to Families Affected by the War (Improvement of Living and Housing Conditions)
With funding allocated under the 2024 budget, housing improvement works were carried out in 2025 in the houses of eight persons who acquired disabilities as a result of military service.

Programs Addressing Urgent Social Support Needs in Yerevan
The Council for the Provision of Social Support adjunct to the Mayor of Yerevan held a meeting on June 23, 2025. During the meeting, seven cases were reviewed and approved: five related to tuition fees and two to the improvement of living conditions. However, only one of the cases was processed, as documentation issues prevented resolution of the other.
The other meeting was held on October 30, 2025, during which eleven cases were presented and approved (nine for tuition fees and two for improvement of living conditions).

Program to Support Citizens Aged Over 100
In accordance with Decision No. 245-N adopted by the Yerevan City Council on November 19, 2024, an allocation of 1,000,000 AMD is planned for citizens aged 100 and above who have been registered residents of Yerevan for at least five years. To implement the program, beneficiary lists were compiled in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Based on data provided by the administrative districts, the corresponding orders were prepared. To facilitate disbursement, the department cooperated with “Haypost” CJSC. 45 citizens have received financial assistance.

Child protection sector
To implement the support program for families displaced from Artsakh, initiated by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, a technical requirements document was prepared, and the procurement process has been completed. As a result, 475 children have received sports uniforms.
To ensure participation in New Year’s events and promote social inclusion, approximately 5,470 tickets were provided (in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism) to children from families with disabilities, those in need of social assistance, and other socially vulnerable groups. 
In the field of child protection, Yerevan Municipality implements a range of programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening the child protection system and defending children’s rights. In 2025, a range of programs and events was organized, specifically as follows: 
A child has the right to be present during the consideration of any matter affecting their rights and interests, and to express their own views within the family, in court, and before other relevant authorities. 
A child has the right to participate in the consideration of any matter affecting their rights and interests, and to have their views heard and given due weight within the family, in judicial proceedings, and before other competent authorities. To support the realization of children’s rights and to underscore the importance of their participation in matters affecting them, the “Establishing Special Rooms to Listen to Children in Administrative Districts” program was launched. The program features the establishment of specially equipped rooms for listening to children in eight administrative districts of Yerevan. In 2025, the first phase of the program was implemented. During this phase, a science-based, comprehensive methodology was developed in line with international human rights standards; the necessary measurements were conducted in the administrative districts; room design and cost estimate documents were prepared to implement the next phase of the program.
Guided by the principle of the best interests of the child and emphasizing the importance of raising children’s awareness of their rights through a child-centered approach, 12 thematic interactive discussions entitled “Awareness of Children’s Rights” were organized during the first semester of the current academic year for approximately 500 children from six public schools. The discussions addressed a broad range of topics, including digital safety, effective communication, emotional support, interpersonal relationships, gender-based discrimination, the effects and risks of psychoactive substances, harmful habits, violence, inclusivity, disability, racial and religious discrimination, stress, bullying, and labor rights. In addition, an interactive performance entitled “Awareness of Children’s Rights” was organized for approximately 500 children.
Within the framework of the program “Cultural and Educational Activities for Children in Difficult Life Circumstances,” a number of events was organized.
Approximately 50 children living in difficult life circumstances visited various cultural institutions, including the Komitas Museum-Institute and the House-Museum of Aram Khachaturian, and the House-Museum of Martiros Saryan. During the visits, they explored the lives and creative legacies of these renowned Armenian artists. At the end of the program, the children received books dedicated to Komitas and Aram Khachaturian. 
Approximately 150 children visited the “Machanents House” social enterprise. During the visit, the children participated in master classes on lavash baking, pottery, and puppetry, and attended performances staged at the “Machanents Theater.”
In addition, approximately 500 children participated in a New Year’s event entitled “Saving the Christmas Holidays,” organized with the aim of providing festive and engaging entertainment and promoting creativity.
On June 1, on the occasion of International Children’s Day, an event titled “Yerevan Municipality for Children” was organized. 64 school-aged children took part in a session of the Yerevan City Council (known as the “School Council of Elders”, during which students assumed the roles of City Council members). Following the session, the children toured the Yerevan History Museum and, at the end of the day, received books as gifts.
As part of the events dedicated to International Children’s Day, around 150 children visited the “Greening and Environmental Protection” and “Animal Care Center” CNPOs. There, they got acquainted with the organizations’ activities and peculiarities, learned about environmental protection, and developed a sense of care for nature and animals.
With the aim of fostering respect for animals and raising environmental awareness, a visit to the “Animal Care Center” CNPO was organized in July–August for approximately 100 children aged 10–15 from seven administrative districts. The initiative was implemented through the cooperation of the Department of Children and Social Protection and the Department of Environmental Protection of Yerevan Municipality. 
Children’s participation in celebrations marking the anniversary of Yerevan was also facilitated. The events titled “Love Letter to Yerevan,” “My Yerevan, My Art,” and “Yerevan Through My Eyes” were held within the framework of the celebrations. Participants whose works were selected as the best had the opportunity to visit the “Erebuni” Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve. Later they were hosted at Yerevan Municipality, and received awards. 
Ahead of the New Year holidays, two events were held in cooperation with the “Arevik” Bookstore. A visit to the bookstore was organized for 15 children in grades 1–3 living in difficult life circumstances. The program included a reading and discussion of the fairy tale “The Night of Secrets,” as well as a workshop on making New Year ornaments. 
In addition, a visit was organized to the “Arevik” Bookstore for nine children in foster care and eight foster parents. The event featured board games, tea and light refreshments.
Furthermore, in cooperation with the “Armenian Light Industry Development Centre” Foundation, a visit was organized to the SPACE 59 center for 15 children aged 13–15 living in difficult life circumstances. The program included a New Year decoration master class, followed by light refreshments.

The Division of Child Protection also performs a range of functions as prescribed by the legislation and by the Charter of the Department of Children and Social Protection of Yerevan Municipality.
According to data submitted by the administrative districts, 59 children deprived of parental care were registered, including four classified as such. 
30 conclusions were issued regarding the placement of children in residential child care institutions. One conclusion was issued for the discharge of a child from a residential care institution and the child’s reunification with his biological family.
Based on documents submitted by citizens, the findings of living conditions assessments, and the conclusions provided by local unified social service centers, 16 positive and 1 negative conclusions were issued regarding adoption applications. Additionally, 23 individuals expressing a wish to adopt a child were registered. In accordance with the above-mentioned procedure, formal requests were prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia to initiate the process of visiting and adopting a child in accordance with the established legal framework. The children eligible for adoption were duly registered. 
5 citizens were registered as individuals wishing to become foster parents. Given the applications submitted by these individuals, the data of foster parents and children in need of foster care were compared. To extend the duration of existing foster care agreements, 17 draft agreements "On Making Amendments and Supplements to Foster Care Contracts" were prepared. Visits were conducted to orphanages and child care centers to take part in meetings organized for the purpose of comparing the information of prospective foster parents with the data of children requiring foster care.
Supervision was conducted over the life, health, upbringing, and living conditions of children cared for in foster families, as well as over the care provided to adopted children by their families.
Data of children living in difficult life circumstances were submitted to the “Manuk” information system, with necessary changes made as required.
Within the framework of the project aimed at advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, data collected from administrative districts on cases of physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by parents, foster parents, or legal representatives against children aged 1–17 was submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia on a monthly basis.
Reported cases involving children in difficult life circumstances were reviewed in cooperation with the Trusteeship and Custodianship Commissions of the administrative districts. Referrals were made to the relevant state and non-governmental organizations to ensure that children receive the necessary services. Department representatives took part in the sessions of the Trusteeship and Custodianship Commissions, where special cases of children were discussed. Ongoing professional advice and methodological support were provided to the Commissions, as well as to staff of the children and social protection divisions of the administrative districts.
In the area of child protection, the Department maintained active cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, administrative districts, local branches of the Unified Social Service, orphanages, child care and support centers, and various organizations operating in the field.
Citizens who contacted Yerevan Municipality with concerns related to child protection received appropriate consultations. The Department’s representatives also attended the meetings, discussions, and consultations concerning child protection issues. Draft legislation related to the sector was reviewed by the Department, and corresponding proposals were submitted.