Siblings of killed 3-year-old Armenian boy placed in state care for psychological recovery

Four siblings of three-year-old Tigran, who was reportedly strangled to death by his father, have been moved to a round-the-clock care center run by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). The children, aged between five and twelve, are said to be in a state of acute stress.

Mira Antonian, head of the FAR Children Assistance Center, told Panorama.am that the children are being given time and space to adjust to their new surroundings.

“Their environment has changed. We’re giving them time to calm down before beginning any professional psychological work,” Antonian said.

While no signs of physical abuse were found, evidence of neglect was apparent.

“They come from a poor family, their nutrition and care appear to have been inadequate,” Antonian noted.

The children are allowed to see their mother and if she cannot visit them for financial reasons, staff plans to arrange transportation for the children to see her. The duration of their stay at the center remains uncertain.

According to Antonian, the siblings are still in shock following their brother’s death and the sudden attention drawn to their family. Specialists at FAR have not yet discussed the tragedy with them.

“This is a period of pause and adjustment. When the children are ready, support work will be tailored to their needs,” she added.