A new project named Social Nanny is being launched to help large families with young children. The plan, discussed by the Parliament newspaper, was presented by Badma Bashankaev, the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection. He outlined the pilot phase and the steps needed to broaden the program nationwide.
According to Bashankaev, the program has already begun in one maternity hospital in St. Petersburg. The aim is to extend it to more regions. The plan envisions the city designating a social nanny from its budget to assist parents in families of participants in the special military operation. The support targets children up to three years old, with a minimum of six hours of help per week until the child reaches 1.5 years of age.
Social nannies are described as professional social workers who possess additional medical training. Training at maternity hospitals would include instruction on fundamental newborn care. The nannies would be capable of handling a range of tasks, from providing first aid and helping a child settle for sleep to dressing and feeding. Bashankaev noted that these nannies perform their duties with evident enthusiasm.
Nina Ostanina, the chairwoman of the State Duma Committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity and Childhood Issues, spoke about the need for family education. She emphasized that this year Russian schools will offer family studies programs, which will help parents and children understand family dynamics better. The goal is to provide practical knowledge that supports families in daily life and builds resilience among children and parents alike.
Earlier reports indicated that large families live in various parts of the Far Eastern Federal District. These families are expected to receive support that includes mortgage payment relief, aligning with broader social policy measures aimed at alleviating long term financial burdens for households with multiple dependents.