Pillar 1 - Culture

Families are the cornerstones of society. However, this family safetynet system this has been weakened by institutions like orphanages as an option.

Orphanages and other forms of residential care facilities are primarily introduced and established by missionaries in response to war, disease, natural disasters, and especially the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Still most institutions owe their existence to well-meaning foreign aid agencies and they undoubtedly saved many lives in crisis situations. But more than 80 years of research has shown that they are no longer an appropriate model.

Next to that, the States Parties who ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (preamble) are convinced that the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community,

Recognizing that the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

Pillar 2 - Research

It is a myth that the children who live in ‘orphanages’ have no parents. Over 80% of these children have at least one living parent or other family members who could take care of the child given the right support.

This picture is from the factsheet ‘Children in Institutions, The Global Picture’ by LUMOS. It presents statistics on the global picture of children in institutions, with data ascertained from countries across the globe. The factsheet explores the problem of the ‘orphan myth’. Click here to download the document.

Next to that, more than 80 years of (scientific) research shows the negative effects of growing up in an institution to a child's cognitive, emotional, and social development. This is acknowledged on December 18, 2019 by all member states of the UN when they adopted the 2019 UN RESOLUTION - Promotion and protection of the rights of children’. In article 26 they express their deep concern about the potential harm that growing up in an institution and institutional care can cause to the growth and development of children.

Pillar 3 - Law (& Guidelines)

196 countries around the world ratified The 'UN Convention on the Rights of the Child' (UNCRC), adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989

The UNCRC states (preamble) that, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, the child should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding.

Art. 9 of the UNCRC states that States Parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is necessary for the best interests of the child.

Many countries have reinforced this right in their national Children’s Act. Like for instance Tanzania in their Tanzanian Children Act. Next to that, the same Children’s Act also states that “It shall be the responsibility of the staff of an approved residential home or institution, the social welfare officer and any other person responsible for maintenance of a child, to assist him to approve to become reunited with his parents, guardians or relatives.” (article 137)

Pillar 4 - Theology

Within all religions, families are seen as the cornerstones of society.

And children belong in families. This is also explicitly stated in the Bible: "God sets the lonely in families." (Psalm 68:8) and God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).

Similarly, Islam places great importance on the role of family in society. The structure of the Muslim family is extended and not nuclear. It often spans 3 or more generations: the husband, the wife, their children, and their parents who live with them. This is the closest and most important family unit.

Also Hindus believe that life is cyclical, this is called ‘samsara’. This teaching has a strong influence on how Hindus view family and society. In Hinduism, families can include nuclear families, stepfamilies, extended families and same-sex parents.