Adopted Russian Orphans and Chess Within the Criminal System

Even though Russia has stopped adoption by US couples of Russian orphans, there are still many such youths here in the US. In some instances a child may have been adopted (often between the ages of 3 and 10) for the purpose of sexual/labor enslavement or, as is more common, they may be in their second US adoption due to behavioral issues resulting from orphanage life and/or fetal alcohol syndrome. Thus, they may enter the US criminal justice system due to behavior problems or by intentionally committing a crime to get away from their captors (arson is often the crime they commit). I presently have such a youth who I’ve come in contact with and hope to work with. When I asked if he played chess, his eyes lit up.

If anyone here has worked with such youth doing chess either in prison or in a probation/parole setting, I’d appreciate hearing from you via PM.
Thanks in advance.