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.