Orphanages differ around the world, but most of them are well-run facilities. In the United States, we no longer have orphanages, but we have group homes which are similar but on a smaller scale. Other countries still have traditional orphanages. They can be good for children who have nowhere else to go, but they still lack some of the aspects they need while growing up.
Typically, orphanages have too many kids for few caregivers. Although necessary at times, that type of living situation isn’t ideal. Children need a great amount of individual attention that may be difficult to come by in an orphanage or group home. Such lack of attention may cause slower development in children and young adults. Children in orphanages often lag behind their peer in some areas.
Most of the children who end up in orphanages have at least one living parent or extended family. That places an immense emotional strain on the child who was purposefully separated from the relatives. That’s why in the United States there are assistance programs to help keep the child with the biological family. In situations where that scenario isn’t possible, we have the foster care system to place the child in a family setting.
Some claim that the shortage of statistical data recorded on children living in orphanages makes them more susceptible to abuse and child trafficking. Certain areas of the world have been rumored to sell children in orphanages. In all things, there are opportunities for corruption.
Orphanages have their challenges, but for the most part, the staff has loving individuals that truly care about the best interests of the children. The caregivers provide emotional support and a loving environment. They are happy when families come to adopt children and are sympathetic to those left behind by their peers.
Ashley Foster is a freelance writer. She is a wife and mother of two currently residing in Florida. She loves taking trips to the beach with her husband and sons. As an infant, she was placed with a couple in a closed adoption. Ashley was raised with two sisters who were also adopted. In 2016, she was reunited with her biological family. She advocates for adoptees’ rights and DNA testing for those who are searching for family. Above all, she is thankful that she was given life. You can read her blog at //ashleysfoster.blogspot.com/.