Penza, 15 July 2015. PenzaNews. The numbers of orphans and children abandoned by their parents in the state institutions of the Penza region has decreased two times over the five years, the acting governor Ivan Belozertsev announced during a meeting with Pavel Astakhov, Children’s Rights Commissioner for the President of Russia, held in the regional government on Wednesday, July 15.

According to him, the numbers went down from 375 in 2011 to 184 now, and 94% of the orphans found new homes.

“Less and less parents lose rights to care for their children. There were 346 such parents five years ago, and only 99 over 2014,” the head of the region added.

He clarified that 57 foster home residents were eligible for alimony payments as of July 1, 2015, and 31 of them are already receiving the money.

“These measures have helped to reduce the infant mortality rate in the Penza region two times over the last ten years, from 13.2% to 5.5%, down by 1,000 newborns. The infant mortality rate in the region in 2014 was below the country average,” Ivan Belozertsev said.

He also mentioned an institute of commissioner for the rights of people involved in education process to increase the protection of rights, interests and dignity of children, parents and teachers, which has been working since 2009.

“456 ombudsmen are currently working in the region,” the acting governor explained.