Orphanages, while sometimes needed as a last resort, alone are not the solution to the orphan crisis.
We no longer place children in orphanages in the United States. We have long recognized the importance of family care for American children. However, many well meaning donors, churches and faith-based organizations are still funding orphanages as a primary solution to Africa's orphan crisis. Unfortunately years of experience has demonstrated that reliance on orphanages is neither cost-effective for the donor nor does this model meet all of the needs of the children.
What are the limitations of an orphanage?
- The cost of supporting a child in an orphanage is 6x higher than supporting a child in family care.
- Orphanages tend to separate children from family life, which lays the foundation for a healthy adulthood.
- Orphanages that serve large numbers of children are not able to provide the individualized care required.
- Children that enter the community following years of orphanage care often struggle with integration into the community, finding employment, and finding a spouse.
- Orphanages rarely have the time or resources to attempt reunification for a child and his/her extended family.
- Families often place children in orphanages as a result of poverty.
- Revolving door of staff and visitors creates cycle of attachment and loss.
When might an orphanage be necessary?
Orphanages are sometimes needed as a temporary response for children who have no other means of support.
- As a transitional home for vulnerable children who have nowhere else to go.
- For children who are victims of abuse or have been abandoned because they have disabilities or are ill with HIV/AIDS.
- In a crisis like war, famine or natural disaster as a temporary safe place.
- As a safe place for rehabilitation (for child soldiers, victims of trafficking, etc.)
Once a child has been placed in an orphanage, every effort should be made to find reliable family care.
Churches and faith-based groups can help unify children with families, provide foster care placement and support, as well as support efforts to improve the standards in existing orphanages.
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"When I first went into AIDS work I was asked to open an orphanage and refused. My basic feeling is that if the money went to the families and homes of people raising orphans, children experiencing this basic security - not to mention the spiritual and moral support of those who love them and claim them as their own - will become more well-rounded members of society in the future."
- Sister Marion Hughes, Maryknoll Sisters, Tanzania
What Children Hope For
The Dananai Centre in Zimbabwe asked 112 orphans and vulnerable children to participate in a brainstorming session. Other than food, clothing, shelter and school fees, the children expressed the following needs:
- to be accepted and loved like other children
- to play
- to go to school like other children
- not to be laughed at because of poor clothes
- not to be robbed of their belongings when their parents die
"I was visiting an orphanage that received frequent visits from American and British churches. Throughout my stay, children of all ages were seeking emotional and physical attention from outsiders such as myself - holding our hands and sometimes clinging to us. I was concerned because children who have formed healthy attachments are usually more cautious of strangers. I also worried about how easily children that have grown up with a succession of temporary caregivers might be exploited."
- Geoff Foster, pediatrician, Zimbabwe
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