Ledeneva, V. .Yu. (2026). Support Infrastructure for Migrant Children in the Eurasian Space: From Adaptation to Social Security. Society and Security Insights, 9(3), 59-74. https: ...

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: https://journal.asu.ru/ssi/article/view/19627/17559 (дата обращения 14.11.2026)

Abstract

The adaptation of migrant children has become a challenge for sustainable migration governance across the Eurasian space, since children’s inclusion provides an important indicator of the quality of integration processes. The problem is that formal access to schooling and language assessment alone do not ensure a child’s meaningful inclusion in the school environment, peer networks, and the receiving community. This study aims to substantiate an infrastructure-based approach to supporting migrant children as a prerequisite for social integration and the prevention of social exclusion. The empirical evidence comprises surveys conducted in 2025 among migrant parents, local parents, and teachers, as well as interviews with adolescent migrant children. Comparative and correlation analyses were used to identify differences between participant groups and relationships among key adaptation indicators. The findings demonstrate that schools possess considerable integrative potential; however, successful adaptation also depends on family resources, parents’ proficiency in Russian, relationships with peers, interaction between migrant and local parent communities, and the coordinated work of local institutions. The study shows that adaptation should not be reduced to language proficiency or academic performance, but should be understood as a multidimensional process encompassing educational, social, communicative, and family dimensions. The study’s novelty lies in conceptualizing support for migrant children as an infrastructure of social security. A comprehensive support model combining initial assessment, language assistance, school adaptation, work with families, and engagement with local communities can reduce the risks of exclusion and strengthen the resilience and social security of schools and local communities across the Eurasian space.