Charity Practices in Russia of the XVIII – early XX centuries for Orphans and Children in Need of Social Support

This article examines the evolution of institutions caring for orphans in the Russian Empire from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.Drawing on archival and statistical material, the authors trace changes in the attitudes of the Russian state and society toward the issue of children deprived of parents.The legislative framework and resulting practical measures for arranging the lives of minor orphans are summarized.The development of a stable care system based on humanist principles is documented from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.At the same time, the specifics of state policy in each period are highlighted.For example, the solution to the orphanage issue under Peter the Great, in accordance with the objectives and spirit of the time, implied a unique form of enslavement for orphans, in which the provision of shelter and food necessitated their participation, from a certain age, in the creation of public goods.Attention is paid to the role of zemstvos in organizing care, noting the attention of local governments to the problem, along with the difficulties encountered.Public organizations, such as the Imperial Philanthropic Society, played a significant role in overseeing the homeless child population.The article uses the example of correctional and educational shelters within the system of institutions for orphans to demonstrate the Russian authorities' understanding of the correctional function of such institutions.Particular emphasis is placed on the regional aspect: the work of social institutions in Central and Southern Russia, as well as in Siberia, is examined separately.The article also highlights the gender aspect of child supervision, using shelters for girls as an example.