Experiencing the love of a foster family: Olesea's Story
“I’ve spent almost my entire childhood with them and can say that was the happiest time of my life.”
We are an international charity striving for a future where every child is raised in a safe, loving, family home.
Today, there are an estimated 5.4 million children in institutions around the world. Research proves these institutions can harm their growth and development.
And more than 80% of children in orphanages have a living parent.
We shed light on the root causes of family separation – poverty, conflict and discrimination.
We press and support governments to reform care systems and, by building global expertise and skill with our partners, we show how children can be safely united with families.
Our Approach
To change the lives of children, we work strategically with partners at every level to move away from the institutionalisation of children towards a model of community-based care.
Our Impact
Thanks to Lumos, over 31,500 children have left – or been prevented from entering – harmful institutions and orphanages since 2009.
The Problem
Most children in orphanages have families – families who simply need help raising their children.
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Policy and Advocacy
To create meaningful change, we partner with advocates and allies at every level: from international decision-makers to children and their families.
Youth Participation at Lumos
Lumos supports the empowerment of children to become young spokespeople, especially those young people who live with intellectual disabilities or are members of other marginalised groups.
Stories from Our Work
There are many people that have a great story to tell about how Lumos' work has touched their lives.