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Tallinn Centre for Children at Risk in Lilleküla Centre
is the oldest shelter in Tallinn.
Children find themselves
in 1993 established 14-digit Lilleküla shelter
for very different reasons.
Most common reasons are vagabondism,
carelessness at home, domestic violence,
parent with alcohol problems, drug addiction,
or loss of residence, caused by unemployment of a parent
or poverty of family.
Child is separated from the family,
if environment at home
is not suitable for child's growth and development
or in the interest of child's safety and welfare,
one cannot be left with the family.
Most commonly child is brought to shelter
by the policeman or welfare worker,
older children seek sometimes help for themselves.
Followed by active collaboration of experts,
to identify nature of the problem
and find a solution according to
child`s best interests.
Children can be guided to shelter from 3-17 years,
most common age is 7-14 years.
Child stays in Lilleküla Centre from one night up to one year.
If child stays in shelter, one continues with the former school,
if this is not possible, new school will be provided.
Pre-school kids together with social workers
are spending their time on games and activities fit for their age.
Child is ensured with safe environment, as well as regular hot meal.
Necessary hygiene habits and social skills
are helped to obtain, if needed.
School kids are helped with their studies,
creating favorable environment for learning habits.
Manager, social workers,
psychologist and nurse
are working with the shelter kids.
Psychologist advises both children
and their families,
ascertain whether the child
has developed according to age
and if further studies are required.
On arrival to shelter,
nurse evaluates each child`s
state of health,
identifies possible peculiarities
(for instance allergy, asthma,
chronic diseases) and if necessary,
organizes further research
with medical specialists.
If speciasists are able to remove any obstacles
which kept child living together with the family,
one is sent back home.
Otherwise it is possible
to restrain parent rights through the court
send child to foster care.
Approximately 80% of shelter children
after their stay, are send back home.
If necessary, they remain under the supervision
of the welfare worker.