Over 5 million children around the globe are living in institutional care, often called orphanages. It may be surprising to know that the vast majority of the children have a parent or relative. The main reasons that children are in orphanages are because their families are poor, lack access to basic services, or have been overwhelmed and struggle to care for them. Children needing additional care because of disabilities are especially at risk of family separation.
A vital part of helping children is by helping their families too. Catholic Care for Children helps to strengthen families. When a family is in distress, support is provided to prevent separation of the child from the family. If a child has already been separated, efforts are made to reunite the child with the family or to find a safe, nurturing family-like alternative, such as foster care or adoption.