The Problem

Children belong in families,
not orphanages

For many, the only option is to put their child in an institution or orphanage

Poverty, discrimination, war or natural disaster are all factors that can cause children to become separated from their families. For many desperate parents seeking help, their only option is to put their child in an orphanage or other institution.

With support, most families could care for their children. And children without families could be looked after in family-style environments, or community-based services, where they can be provided with the care to meet their needs.

The Problem

Why are children in orphanages and other institutions?

Perhaps surprisingly, most children in orphanages and other institutions have families who love and want them, but they are born into poverty, or with a disability, in a place where families have little or no support.

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The Problem

For many, the only option is to put their child in an institution or orphanage

With support, most families could care for their children. And children without families could be looked after in family-style environments, or community-based services, where they can be provided with the care to meet their needs.

The Problem

The problem with orphanages and other institutions

Why are children in orphanages and other institutions?

Defining an 'institution' or 'orphanage'

It Is a Global Problem

80 years

8 million

80%