Orphanges date back hundreds of years, but despite overwhelming evidence showing the long-term harm of institutions on children, they still exist today. There is a better way.
The Problem with orphanages
Growing up in institutional care violates a child’s rights
Over 80 years of international research has shown it can severely harm children’s physical and cognitive development. It also exposes them to a higher risk of abuse and neglect.
Many orphanages around the world are run for profit over children’s wellbeing. In some, we’ve found evidence of abusive practices. But even when run with the best efforts and intentions, institutional systems and settings struggle to provide what children really need – love.
We’ve helped prove that institutions are not only harmful but also costly to maintain. The resources pumped into them could be better invested in services that strengthen and support families, and tackle the causes of separation.
IT IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM
300
Global research studies show the long term harm of institutions to children.
80%
Of children on average in orphanages have a living parent.
5.4 Million
Children are living in institutions worldwide.
THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR
We have a dedicated and extensively researched catalogue on the subject of institutionalisation. This includes annual reports, policy papers, training resources and even publications produced by our own experts in the field.
See for yourself the research behind our work.