More children and youth from institutions will live in a stable, family environment in Akmeta and Samtredia in Georgia's Imereti and Kakheti regions when World Vision and the Ministry of Education and Science open an additional two Small Group Homes (SGH) in September.

The existing three SGH, each housing about eight children from six to 18 years have proven an effective and well received alternative to traditional care in large and impersonal institutions.

SGHs are run by host parents and try to mirror as closely as possible, a 'regular' family home.

'This house made me feel different- I felt so much care from everyone. I know that if something goes wrong, I have people to whom I can count on in the future,' said 20-year-old Giga who moved from the Telavi SGH a year ago after securing a job at a gas station with World Vision's help. Giga can now live independently on his salary and still visits his former home frequently.

'While prevention, reintegration and foster care are effective measures of care to replace institutions, there are a few critical cases that require assistance in temporary housing due to various reasons that do not allow reintegration into biological families or placement under foster care. Small Group Homes are a well proven and effective alternative in these cases,' said Tamuna Barkalaia World Vision Operations Manager.

Infants and children are abandoned to institutions in Georgia due to economic and social reasons and institutionalised youth are especially vulnerable when they are required to leave the institution when they turn 18 with nowhere to go and no resources to fall back on.

World Vision Georgia was the first organisation to introduce Small Group Home care to Georgia in 2006. The organisation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education and Science, which has funded the SGHs since February this year.

Once the additional two SGHs are established by World Vision, the Ministry will again assume responsibility for the operations of the homes.

World Vision Georgia has played a key role in the area of child welfare and deinstitutionalisation and has been actively involved in the child welfare reform processes with other international and local NGOs. World Vision is a long-term partner of the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, which is the key governmental body responsible for child welfare in the country.

Since 2004 World Vision has helped to move 183 children from institutions – reintegrating 125 with their biological families, placing 26 children in foster care and accommodating 32 children or youth in Small Group Homes.