These resources explore the situation of children living in orphanages, some of the factors contributing to their placement there, and the grave consequences this can pose for them emotionally, socially, and psychologically. With this understanding, the resources shared below promote alternatives that respect a child’s need for the love and care of a family.

The Importance of Family Care

Families, Not Orphanages John Williamson, Aaron Greenberg, Better Care Network Working Paper Series, 2010

A Family is for a Lifetime: A Discussion of the Need for Family Care for Children Impacted by AIDS Jan Williamson, The Synergy Project/USAID, 2004

Keeping Children Out of Harmful Institutions: Why We Should be Investing in Family Based Care Corinna Csaky, Save the Children UK, 2009

Roofs and Roots: The Care of Separated Children In the Developing World David Tolfree, Save the Children UK, 1995

Love for Orphans Transforms Jedd Medefind, Catalyst Online

The Limitation of Orphanages and Lack of Parental Care

Why Not Orphanages? Department of Social Welfare, Accra, Ghana, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Care Reform Initiative, 2011

The Risk of Harm to Young Children in Institutional Care Kevin Browne, Save the Children and Better Care Network, 2010

Kinnected FAQ ACCI Relief, 2014

Research on Institutional Care of Vulnerable Children North American Council on Adoptable Children, 2005

Children in Residential Care: The Zimbabwean Experience G. Powell, 2004

A Last Resort: The Growing Concern About Children in Residential Care International Save the Children Alliance, London, UK, 2003

Institutions vs. Foster Homes: The Empirical Base for a Century of Action Richard P. Barth, Jordan Institute for Families, University of North Carolina, 2002

No Place Like Home: A Research Study of the Operations, Management, and Care Offered by Residential Facilities for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Built Environment Support Group, 2007

Home Truths: The Phenomenon of Residential Care for Children in a Time of AIDS Helen Meintjes, Sue Moses, Lizette Berry, and Ruth Mampane, 2007

How Institutions are Harmful for Children Lumos, 2014

The Science of Early Adversity: Is There a Role for Large Institutions in the Care of Vulnerable Children? Anne E Berens, Charles A Nelson, 2015.