18 Months

That's the life expectancy of an Orphan in Russia post-institution.

Many studies have been conducted on the long-term emotional and physical effects of the brutal culture surrounding the Russian Orphanage system, but the problem is that no "long term" data can be compiled. Simply put, not enough of them survive to do a comprehensive 5 or 10-year study. 18 months is just the median for life after the orphanage---but all research agrees that this time should be measured in months, not years.

Time-wise, 18 months is roughly the same as Pancreatic Cancer after diagnosis--except the quality of life is worse with a Russian Orphan:

-15% will succumb to suicide within 2 years.

-50% will begin abuse of alcohol and/or drugs within 6 months of leaving the orphanage.

-60% are involved in prostitution and organized crime within 12 months.

-10% become "productive" members of society-- the definition is sufficiently tailored for the research:  having a job, not in jail, and still alive.  Their life expectancy is 28-30 years of age.

-If a child is 6 years or older, and remains in the system, they have a 96% chance of being doomed to those statistics. Only 4% of children over the age of 6 are adopted.

In the 18 months between orphanage and grave, the next generation of orphans are birthed.

Seems like a problem with no solution-- but hope remains, and is provided by those willing to help.

The 728b Foundation is trying to be part of the solution with our own Harbor Project and partnering with the Lighthouse Project.

If you're interested in becoming part of the solution, we'll be explaining how over the next few days. It's way too long for one post.