The conference "The Value of everyone" was held in Moscow

The VI All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference "The Value of everyone: a systematic approach to family support" was held in Moscow at the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation. For two days, psychologists, representatives of socially oriented non-profit organizations, relevant departments, scientific and educational institutions, charitable foundations and the expert community focused on the development of a continuous support system for families raising children and accompanying adults with mental disorders.

The forum program included 27 events: 15 thematic sections, eight round tables, panel and expert discussions, as well as professional meetings. The number of online registrations exceeded 14,500, and more than 1,100 participants gathered in the halls of the Civic Chamber, which indicates the importance and relevance of the event. The participants paid special attention to helping people with special needs at different stages of life, including transitions between educational, social and professional environments.

The conference began with the plenary session "Continuity and consistency of care from early age to adulthood." Before the meeting, Maria Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children's Rights under the President of the Russian Federation, Sergey Rybalchenko, Chairman of the Commission on Demography, Family Protection, Children and Traditional Family Values of the Civic Chamber, Elena Pisareva, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture, and Elena Pisareva, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation, addressed the participants. Russian Russian Orthodox Church Dmitry Ligomina, Executive Director of Sberbank's Contribution to the Future Charitable Foundation Peter Polozhevets, President of the Russian-Chinese Foundation for the Development of Education and Science Cui Shan, People's Artist of Russia, member of the Council of the Government of the Russian Federation on Guardianship in the Social Sphere Diana Gurtskaya, as well as Archpriest, Chairman of the Department for Church Charity and Social Service of the Russian Orthodox ChurchChurch member Mikhail Potokin.

The speakers noted the relevance of the topic under discussion and the need for regular dialogue on accompanying people with special needs. According to experts, the further development of the support system requires not only the expansion of practical services, but also the improvement of the regulatory framework, as well as coordinated actions by medical, educational and social structures, public organizations and the parent community.

A number of significant initiatives have already been implemented in this area in recent years. For example, day care centers are being opened in the regions, early care programs are being expanded, and new standards for informing families about the diagnosis and subsequent routing to specialized support services are being introduced.

In her speech, Anna Bitova, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Therapeutic Pedagogy "Special Childhood" and the Alliance of Professional Organizations supporting Children and Adults with Mental Disorders "The Value of Everyone", drew attention to the practical aspects of family support.

She emphasized the importance of a professional association of non-profit organizations working in the field of helping people with mental disabilities. According to her, the development of interregional cooperation makes it possible to quickly find solutions for families and professionals in different regions of the country.

Following the results of the conference, the participants formed a number of proposals and initiatives addressed to relevant government agencies. They are aimed at developing interdepartmental cooperation, improving the support system for people with mental disorders and supporting families at different stages of life.