Why we should be investing in family-based care

One of the biggest myths is that children in orphanages are there because they have no parents. This is not the case. Most are there because their parents simply can?t afford to feed, clothe and educate them. For governments and donors, placing children in institutions is often seen as the most straightforward solution. And it?s a way of sweeping out of sight the poorest and most discriminated-against children with the biggest problems. Encouraging parents to place their children in care is even used as a means to make easy money by some unscrupulous and unregulated institutions. But, with the right kind of support, most families would be able to keep their children. And when it?s just not possible for a child to live with his or her parents, there are other family and communitybased options where they can be cared for and protected. Institutional care should only be used as a last resort, and only then if it is of a high standard and in the best interests of the individual child.

 

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