THE ISSUE
Hundreds of millions of children are pushed onto the margins of society or are facing many forms of abuse around the world. Among them, 8 million live in institutions such as orphanages. It is estimated that 80% of them do have at least one living parent. Long term stays in such institutions have lasting negative impacts. Evidence shows that children are at risk of permanent developmental damage by not being cared for in a family setting. Many orphanages are run as businesses, with children kept in poor conditions to generate donations. Donating to support such institutions fuels the orphanage industry, places more children at risk and tears families apart.
THE FACTS
Orphanages in Cambodia
Children under 18 live in orphanages in Cambodia
%
of those children are not real orphans
TAKE ACTION
Please do not donate to keep children in institutions, instead direct that support to organizations who are working hard together with families and communities to ensure the best for their children.
Spreading the word about the orphanage issue is one of the best ways to help – the more people who understand the issue, the better choices they can make. We know that family, or family-based care, is the best option for a child.
WHO IS INVOLVED
ChildSafe Movement is powered by Friends-International, a partner organization of Family Care First, a group of global and community partners across all sectors committed to increasing the percentage of children living in safe, nurturing and family based care. Family Care First’s strength lies in the commitment and support of its diverse membership and only collectively can its partners have the desired impact on the lives of children living without safe, nurturing family based care.
For more information about this initiative, please visit: www.familycarefirstcambodia.org
