Emergence of State Care for Illegitimate Children and Orphans during the Reign of Peter I
Genesis of the state system on prevention of child neglect in the first quarter of the XVIII century is discussed. The reasons of children’s homelessness are determined. The characteristics and rating of overcoming this social illness by Emperor Peter I are presented. It is noted that the creation of the first orphanages at the state level began in the reign of Peter I, however, this work was not systematic and it was poorly funded. Based on the analysis of documents the author reveals the main category of orphans, illegitimate children, whom society had denied even the right to compassion. It is shown that different kinds of measures taken by the state in respect of this and other categories of orphans, including stigmatization of parents of illegitimate children, their paying their child support, prison sentences were ineffective