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Children belong in families
not orphanages

Open video in overlay: A message from J.K. Rowling

By 2050 all children will grow up in loving, nurturing, protective families.

Because children belong in families, not orphanages

Young boy

Brother and sister in Haiti

Teacher and child with learning disabilities

Woman with child

Dad and child

Eight million children live in orphanages and other institutions globally. More than 80% are not orphans but have been separated from their families because of poverty and discrimination. Orphanages harm children, exposing them to all forms of abuse and trafficking.

We rescue children from orphanages and reunite them with families. We change education, health and social care systems so all children and families can access the care and protection they deserve.

Because only families provide the building blocks children need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Five reasons why orphanages are bad for children

Five things you should know about orphanages

Did you know that 80% of children in orphanages actually have at least one living parent? Or that children living in institutions are at an increased risk of abuse, neglect and trafficking?

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Donations made in Great British Pounds will benefit Lumos Foundation, registered charity number: 1112575, and donations made in Dollars will benefit Lumos Foundation USA, EIN: 47-2301085.

Featured posts

read more about 5 things you should know about orphanages. (Video) read more about What does independent living mean to our Youth Advocates?. (Video) read more about Highlights from the Lumos Youth Forum 2018. (Video) read more about Working together to stop orphanage trafficking and the exploitation of children. (Lumos voices)
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The Tales of Beedle the Bard Illustrated

Shop and Donate to Lumos

There are several ways you can buy beautiful products, and donate to Lumos at the same time. Take a look at some of the products on offer, from a beautiful illustrated edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, to charm bracelets, e-books and more, there are many ways you can get involved.

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The work we do:

  • Moldova : We have been working in the Republic of Moldova since 2006 in co-operation with the Moldovan Government. At that point Moldova had committed to a five-year plan to reduce the numbers of children in institutions by 50%.

    Our work in Moldova

  • Ethiopia : Lumos is working with partners on a new project to provide family based care to unaccompanied refugee and migrant children in the refugee camps in Shire, northern Ethiopia.

    Our work in Ethiopia

  • Ukraine : Ukraine has among the highest number of children in institutions in Europe, with an ingrained institutional system viewed as the only solution for children at risk. Success in Ukraine is likely to have considerable influence on the deinstitutionalisation reform processes in the neighbouring countries.

    Our work in Ukraine

  • Brussels: Since 2010, the Brussels-based Advocacy and Campaigns team have worked to raise awareness and understanding of the harm caused to children’s development and well-being by institutionalisation with EU stakeholders such as politicians,civil servants and civil society networks.

    Our work in Brussels

  • Greece: Lumos began working in Greece in 2015 to encourage reform of their child protection system.

    Our work in Greece

  • Czech Republic: Lumos began work in the Czech Republic in 2008. Our impact here has been gradual, but admissions to institutions, and the numbers of children in them, have fallen.

    Our work in Czech Republic

  • Haiti: Lumos began work in Haiti in January 2015, as part of a joint programme with key governmental and NGO partners. We are working to transform care services for vulnerable children and families in Haiti by 2030.

    Our work in Haiti

  • Bulgaria: Lumos was asked to provide expertise and technical support to help implement Bulgaria’s national strategy. We set up our Bulgarian office in 2010.

    Our work in Bulgaria

  • United Kingdom: Lumos' corporate headquarters are in London, United Kingdom. If you would like to get in touch with any of our teams please use the form on the contact page.

    Our work in United Kingdom

  • Colombia : Figures from the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) suggest that there are nearly 15,000 children living in institutions in Colombia. Working with partner organisations, Lumos aims to support the transformation of the care system, moving from institutionalisation to family based care.

    Our work in Colombia

  • Kenya: There are an estimated 43,000 children currently living in Charitable Children's Institutions in Kenya.

    Our work in Kenya

  • Lumos Foundation USA: Lumos Foundation USA was launched in 2015 to help build political and public will in support of the US Government’s goals to strengthen families and end orphanages and other residential institutions.

    Our work in Lumos Foundation USA