Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets reported that the Government has agreed on measures to support the adoption of certain categories of orphans. The relevant draft law is designed to increase lump-sum allowances for adoption. "We think the allowance will amount to 100,000 roubles," she said.

Ms Golodets explained that this sum will be paid to three categories of adoptive parents, primarily those who adopt disabled children, orphans who are brothers and/or sisters, and children of seven years of age or more.

Mr Golodets also reported that the adoption procedure will be substantially simplified. "It is very important to make the adoption procedure much easier. Red tape must be removed." She said this primarily applies to collecting papers and extending the validity of some medical documents. The term of temporary guardianship will be extended, too – most likely up to six months.

The Government is planning to remove restrictions on the area of housing for adoptive parents in the near future. It has also suggested that the term for appealing against a court decision on adoption should be reduced from 30 to 10 days. Ms Golodets thinks this will make it possible not to drag out the adoption process for a month. She expressed her confidence that these measures will reduce the number of children in orphanages by about 30,000 per year.