International child care experts agree that reform is urgently needed to replace institutions with family-based care for all children, after completing a comprehensive review of research into the scale and impact of orphanage use worldwide.
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Hope and Homes for Children is at the forefront of a growing global movement to eliminate orphanages globally.
- Urgent action needed to protect children from institutions in Ukraine
- Children confined to orphanages because of disability must not be forgotten in a post-Covid worldInternational child care experts agree that reform is urgently needed to replace institutions with family-based care for all children, after completing a comprehensive review of research into the scale and impact of orphanage use worldwide.
- Aid: getting it right, now, matters more than it ever didNew research reveals how unprepared and unsupported young Latin American people feel when they leave orphanages and other kinds of institutional care. The experience of young care-leavers must guide reform in the region.
- “In my case, I had no one, absolutely nothing… I had spent so many years in there”New research reveals how unprepared and unsupported young Latin American people feel when they leave orphanages and other kinds of institutional care. The experience of young care-leavers must guide reform in the region.
- Experts join call for urgent reform as science review confirms: orphanages harm childrenInternational child care experts agree that reform is urgently needed to replace institutions with family-based care for all children, after completing a comprehensive review of research into the scale and impact of orphanage use worldwide.
- A newly merged DfID and FCO must be made to work—and action is needed nowWhile we do not endorse the Government’s decision, we do believe that with decisive action in the following areas the UK can continue to influence international development effectively.
- Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery keeps children with disabilities in Rwanda safeBy supporting our work in Rwanda, players of People’s Postcode Lottery are keeping children with disabilities secure in loving families, and safe from orphanages, during the Coronavirus crisis.
- Controversial emergency child protection laws in England could harm children across the globeThe UK Government has come under attack from international child rights campaigners after making emergency legal changes which affect the way children in the English care system are looked after during the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Children in orphanages need our protection now more than ever, but unplanned closures are not the answerThe Coronavirus pandemic puts children living in orphanages at even greater risk of neglect, abuse and illness. But rushing to close institutions as a response to the crisis will only add to the dangers they face.
- Global law firm extends charity partnership to keep children safe in families through pandemicLeading international law firm Allen & Overy extend their Global Charity Partnership with us to provide extra support for our work during the Coronavirus crisis.
- Hope and Homes for Children and Udayan Care jointly launch special issue of influential journal on alternative care in South AsiaExperts from our International Programmes team guest edit the latest edition of Institutionalised Children Explorations and Beyond.
- Coronavirus is an invisible crisis for vulnerable children and familiesWe’re working tirelessly against Coronavirus to keep families together and protect children. We must ensure that orphanages are never a solution—neither now, nor in the recovery from this pandemic.
- Coronavirus: A letter to supportersOur chief executive, Mark Waddington CBE, has written to supporters explaining how we plan to overcome the challenges of Coronavirus—and how they can help.
- Update on the Coronavirus pandemicAn update from our Chief Executive, Mark Waddington CBE, regarding the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
- “Working for Hope and Homes for Children can be exhausting but it also feeds my soul”Hope and Homes for Children's social workers are remarkable people. On the ground, in the countries where we work, they are the ones who carry out the hard and complicated task of closing orphanages by finding safe and loving families for children. Amra Viteskic is a member of our social work team in Bosnia & Herzegovina and this is her story.
- Thinking of visiting an orphanage on holiday? A new book asks readers to think againTourists who visit orphanages risk fuelling a form of modern slavery where children are taken from their families and exploited for profit, a new book launched today confirms.
- Celebrating the Opening Doors for Europe’s Children campaignSeven years ago, we cofounded the Opening Doors for Europe’s Children campaign, dedicated to strengthening families and ending institutional care in Europe. Today, at an event in Brussels, we mark the end of the campaign and celebrate its achievements.
- Closed: first orphanage for children with disabilities in AfricaWonderful news from Rwanda! All the children who were confined to the Wikwiheba Mwana orphanage have now left to join loving families and this institution is closed for good.
- Landmark moment as the UN calls for the end of orphanagesToday, for the first time ever, all 193 member states of the United Nations have formally recognised that orphanages don’t protect children, they harm them, and have called for the progressive elimination of institutional care globally.
- Reflecting on 25 years of hope for children: The social worker’s storyThis year marks our 25th anniversary and what better moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved for children during that time, thanks entirely to the generosity of our wonderful supporters and the dedication of our staff around the world.
- Journalists swap seats with politicians to help make orphanages historyTwo veteran politicians took their chance to turn the tables and grill a pair of the UK's most experienced political journalists, at Hope and Homes for Children's annual Swapping Seats fundraising event in London today.
- This Christmas, help make sure that Violeta—and children like her—stay where they belongThank you so much for your support for Hope and Homes for Children. We are closer to a world in which orphanages are recognised as unacceptable and every child can grow up where they belong: in a loving family.
- Special United Nations status awarded to Hope and Homes for ChildrenWe’re delighted to announce that the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has granted Hope and Homes for Children Special Consultative Status.
- Children’s lives transformed as one of Romania’s largest orphanages closesNearly two hundred children are now where they belong; with people who love them, thanks to the successful closure of the Sfântu Spiridon orphanage in Targu Frumos, Iasi county, Romania.
- Reflecting on 25 years of hope for children: Caroline’s dreamThis year marks our 25th anniversary and what better moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved for children during that time, thanks entirely to the generosity of our wonderful supporters and the dedication of our staff around the world.
- Hope and Homes for Children partner with ElfiSanta to bring festive joyWe’re excited to announce that Hope and Homes for Children and ElfiSanta have partnered up, to bring festive joy to children all over the world this Christmas.
- Reflecting on 25 years of hope for children: Marie Claire’s storyThis year marks our 25th anniversary and what better moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved for children during that time, thanks entirely to the generosity of our wonderful supporters and the dedication of our staff around the world.
- In conversation with Krish Kandiah, part IV: A force for goodIn the last of our four-part series, Home for Good founder Krish Kandiah chats to Hope and Homes for Children’s Steve Coffey, and suggests how the Church can start to rethink its care for vulnerable children.
- In conversation with Krish Kandiah, part III: Time to move onIn this third of our four-part series, Home for Good founder Krish Kandiah chats to Hope and Homes for Children’s Steve Coffey, and addresses the shift in how people are thinking about orphanages.
- Hope and Homes for Children and ABTA launch a new Taskforce to end orphanage tourismA new Orphanage Tourism Taskforce launches today, led by Hope and Homes for Children and ABTA—The Travel Association, in response to the global issue of a burgeoning orphanage ‘industry’.
- Reflecting on 25 years of hope for children: Mark and Caroline’s storyThis year marks our 25th anniversary and what better moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved for children during that time, thanks entirely to the generosity of our wonderful supporters and the dedication of our staff around the world.
- We are delighted to welcome Mariana Dahan as an Ambassador for Hope and Homes for ChildrenMark Waddington, Hope and Homes for Children’s CEO, said: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to appoint Mariana Dahan as an ambassador for us. I am very grateful to her for having the confidence and commitment to Hope and Homes for Children to take on this responsibility.”
- In conversation with Krish Kandiah, part II: Rethinking the relationshipIn this second of our four-part series, Home for Good founder Krish Kandiah chats to Hope and Homes for Children and begins to unpick the link between a biblical understanding of family and the Western Church’s historic support of orphanages.
- In conversation with Krish Kandiah, part I: Fostering a new perspectiveHome for Good’s Founding Director, Krish Kandiah sat down with Steve Coffey, Head of Brand at Hope and Homes for Children, and explained why he’s calling on fellow Christians to change their approach to orphanages.
- New initiative to encourage Christians to redirect support away from orphanages“The tide is turning. Time is running out for orphanages.” Dr Krish Kandiah calls on Christians to help children around the world find a home life beyond orphanages.
- Reflecting on 25 years of hope for childrenThis year marks our 25th anniversary and what better moment to reflect on all that’s been achieved during that time, thanks to our wonderful supporters and our dedicated staff.
- Children and parents reunited as another Bulgarian orphanage closesAll 29 children who were confined to Vidin orphanage for babies in Bulgaria have left to join safe and loving families and this institution is now closed.
- RELX chooses Hope and Homes for Children as their global fundraising partnerWe’re excited to announce that global firm RELX has voted for Hope and Homes for Children to become its new global fundraising partner.
- Christian magazine asks if the Church’s support of orphanages is now doing more harm than goodDr Krish Kandiah calls on Christians to help children around the world find a home life beyond orphanages.
- International magazine highlights the tragedy of volunteering in orphanagesIn a hard-hitting article, this month’s Family Traveller Magazine explains why orphanage tourism ends up harming the very children the volunteers are trying to help.
- 3 steps to donate at no cost: choose AmazonSmile for your online shopping!Not enough shoppers know about AmazonSmile, Amazon’s philanthropic way for people to shop online. AmazonSmile is a program that makes donations to your favorite charity at no extra cost to you.
- Caring for children moving alone: Hope and Homes for Children partners to launch new (and free!) online courseHope and Homes for Children partners with international organisations to launch a new free online course “Caring for children moving alone”, to protect the rights of the estimated 28 million children who are living in a situation of forced displacement.
- The Vote for Children campaign launches at European ParliamentToday, at the European Parliament, Hope and Homes for Children joins forces with a coalition of partners to launch the Vote for Children campaign, to ensure that the next European Parliament continues to defend and protect children’s rights at home and abroad, and guarantee that all children can grow up in families.
- Hope and Homes for Children’s Founder, Mark Cook, on BBC Radio Wiltshire with Nick HewerHope and Homes for Children’s founder Mark Cook, yesterday interviewed for BBC Radio Wiltshire, tells us the history of the charity he and his wife Caroline founded 25 years ago
- Allen & Overy’s fundraising campaign raises £423k for life-changing programmesIn September 2018, Hope and Homes for Children were selected by Allen & Overy’s staff across the world to be their Global Charity Partner. Their first fundraising campaign raised an amazing £423k for India and Nepal life-changing programmes.
- Our partnership with St. James’s Place nominated for ‘Better Society’ AwardWe are delighted to announce that Hope and Homes for Children’s partnership with The St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation has been nominated for a 'Better Society' Award in the category “Partnership with an International Charity”. It's fantastic to see the impact of this incredible partnership being recognised by the influential “Better Society Network”.
- “Today is a good day for many children”: UK Aid Direct will NOT fund orphanages and children’s institutionsA great milestone has been reached as one of the UK Governments largest funding mechanisms (£150 million) for developing countries, UK Aid Direct, clearly states in its latest funding guidance, “UK Aid Direct will not fund Orphanages and children's institutions”.
- New service will help keep children out of orphanages in one of Europe’s poorest countryWe’re delighted to announce that an eagerly-awaited new family support service opened this week in Moldova. The official opening of the Balti Early Intervention Service marks an important step towards keeping families together and preventing children entering the orphanage system.
- Last act of kindness from our patron, Lord Carrington at service in Westminster AbbeyThe Duchess of Cornwall joined ministers and military dignitaries last week to celebrate the remarkable life of our patron, Lord Peter Carrington, who died aged 99 last year. Lord Carrington was one of our earliest patrons.
- 2018 – A Year of AchievementMark Waddington, Hope and Homes for Children's CEO, reflects on 2018 as he defines it "a year of achievement". We have closed 6 institutions, worked on 39 closures throughout Europe and Africa and transitioned 632 children out of institutions and into a safe and loving family.
- BBC World Service puts orphanages in the spotlightEach week The Conversation brings together women from different countries who have shared a similar experience. In this week’s programme, Rukhiya Budden, Hope and Homes for Children ambassador, meets with Hayley Kemp to share and discuss their different perspectives of growing up in orphanages in Kenya and the UK.
- Children exploited for profit by UK-funded orphanages in Uganda, BBC documentary revealsThe abuse and exploitation of children in Ugandan orphanages that are supported by donors in the UK is exposed in a BBC radio documentary, ‘The Orphanage Business’.
- The Family Marathon: A brand new event from Hope and Homes for ChildrenA brand new event is coming to London! When your family runs together, you’ll help families stay together
- Hope and Homes for Children CEO honoured for worldwide child protection roleWe are delighted to share the news that our Chief Executive Officer, Mark Waddington, has been recognised for services to global child protection in the New Year’s Honour’s list.
- Lord Paddy Ashdown remembered as forceful beacon for children’s rightsEveryone at Hope and Homes for Children has been deeply saddened to hear of the death of our Patron, Lord Paddy Ashdown, the first Patron of Hope and Homes for Children.
- What’s wrong with this picture?Something vital is missing from the traditional picture on our card. This December we’re asking our supporters to imagine the inconceivable: a child alone without a family at Christmas.
- “We can’t leave the most vulnerable behind”Today we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities with our message: "Children with disabilities need families, never orphanages."
- 2019 International ChallengesThe chance to help children grow up in families, not orphanages, is in your hands. Literally. If you’re up for a challenge sign up to one of the fantastic fundraising adventures!
- Global ambassador calls on UK Government to act on promise of families not orphanages for all childrenHome and Homes for Children’s Ambassador, Rukhiya Budden, has called on the UK Government to live up to its commitment to help end the institutionalisation of children around the world.
- “Somewhere in the mountains of Nepal were mourning parents who thought their children were gone forever”Volunteers and tourists want to help children in orphanages in Nepal but their efforts may do more harm than good.
- New campaign urges young people NOT to volunteer in orphanagesWell-meaning youngsters who travel abroad to help children living in orphanages risk doing more harm than good. That’s the hard-hitting message of a global campaign, launched today.
- Six orphanages closed in 2018: You Made it Happen!Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters, Hope and Homes for Children has closed six orphanages around the world so far this year. Thank you.
- Are you ready for your next challenge? Launching 2019 Adventures!The chance to help children grow up in families, not orphanages, is in your hands. Literally. If you’re up for a challenge - such as completing an epic cycling journey, or setting a personal best in a marathon - sign up to one of the fantastic fundraising adventures we are organising for 2019.
- Politicians and journalists swap seats to help free children from orphanagesTwo veteran politicians got their own back on a pair of high-profile journalists today at Hope and Homes for Children’s annual Swapping Seats fundraising event in London.
- Breaking News: Making headway in BrusselsWe are delighted to share a significant policy paper that puts the best interests of the child at the heart of EU investments.
- Seeing is believing – People’s Postcode Lottery visits Rwanda"Visiting the Gahanga institution in Kigali was a shocking experience. I vividly remember the high metal gates at the entrance. It didn’t look like a place any child should live."
- BBC World Service interview with Rukhiya BuddenMore than 75 million listeners across the globe heard the story of a life in an orphanage on the BBC World Service’s Outlook programme
- Hope and Homes for Children appointed as Global Charity Partner by Allen & OveryWe are over the moon that that Hope and Homes for Children has been chosen by Allen & Overy’s staff across the world to be their next Global Charity Partner.
- Hope and Homes for Children shortlisted for Allen & Overy’s Global Charity Partnership schemeThe company’s Global Charity Partnership scheme brings together the skills and resources of one of the world’s largest law firms to make a lasting impact on the work of a single charity.
- Powerful new Economist film examines how we’re working for ‘The End of Orphanages’ in RomaniaHard hitting film by The Economist exploring the rise of the terrible orphanage system in Romania and explaining why Hope and Homes for Children is determined to bring about 'The End of Orphanages' there
- Our Ambassador shares her orphanage experience with 7.4 million listenersRukhiya Budden, an Ambassador for Hope and Homes for Children, has been sharing her harrowing personal story of growing up in an orphanage in Kenya with Vanessa Feltz on BBC Radio 2
- BBC Radio 4 interview blows away myth of ‘good’ orphanagesOur CEO, Mark Waddington, and orphanage survivor, Oggi Tomic, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme to explain why there’s no such thing as a ‘good’ orphanage
- National newspaper tells Rukhiya’s story and highlights work of Hope and Homes for ChildrenRukhiya Budden is the first to say that today, she leads a very privileged life. She lives in a lovely home in Buckinghamshire with her husband and their three beautiful daughters. But her own childhood could not have been more different.
- Now is the time for others to follow UK’s lead and champion families not orphanagesYesterday, for the first time, the UK formally recognised that orphanages harm children and promised to back family and community-based care for children around the world.
- UK Government acknowledges “orphanages harm children” and will work towards closuresFor the first time the UK government has formally recognised that overseas orphanages harm children and has promised to support closures, long-term.
- Harm that orphanges inflict on children with disabilities highlighted ahead of summitThe increased risk posed to children with disabilities by orphanages will be in the spotlight ahead of the first ever Global Disability Summit in London this week.
- Photographer revisits war-torn ‘camera kids’ in the orphanage where our story beganA photographer who taught camera skills to children in Sarajevo’s Bjelave orphanage in 1997 has returned to Bosnia to capture on film how their lives have unfolded.
- Contribution of our patron, Lord Carrington, remembered with warmth and gratitudeOur founders and former staff have been sharing memories of our patron, Lord Carrington, and paying tribute to the vital contribution he made to Hope and Homes for Children.
- Danger of orphanages highlighted by flagship BBC radio programmeListen to the BBC Radio 4 programme “From Our Own Correspondent” which further highlights the danger of orphanages.
- Founders honoured for work bringing hope to children in Romanian orphanagesMark and Caroline Cook receive the equivalent of a knighthood for their work to close orphanages and reform the country’s child protection system over the last 20 years.
- What will the future hold for Elijah?"He was sat, completely still and silent...who knows how long he’d been there, waiting for someone to remember him and help him?" During her visit to an orphanage in Kenya last week, Writer and Story Gatherer, Isobel Eaton recalls the impact a little boy called Elijah, made on her.
- New EU funding helps us protect mothers and babies in SudanIt is difficult working in Sudan. Our country team often go months at a time without being paid. Here, Farid Idris explains how working with the local Islamic council is changing attitudes towards unmarried mothers and abandoned babies.
- Another orphanage consigned to historyAnother orphanage is confined to history, as the last two children living in Vratsa orphanage, Bulgaria, leave to join safe and loving families.
- Closed. Romanian orphanage marks 104th closureOur mission to eliminate institutional care of children continues to gain momentum, with the closure last month of Veniamin Costache in Romania.
- On the anniversary of orphanage fire tragedy in Guatemala, we join calls to end the institutionalisation of childrenOn the anniversary of orphanage fire tragedy in Guatemala, we join calls to end the institutionalisation of children
- We hit the jackpot thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery!COUNTDOWN host Nick Hewer accepts a cheque for £200,000 from the players of People's Postcode Lottery
- The Accidental OrphanageIn July, Boris Pomroy, Head of Major Partnerships and Brand, visited the work of Child’s i foundation, our partners in Uganda, to see why support in both Uganda and Rwanda is so badly needed. Here is his report about an orphanage started 'accidentally'.
- A remarkable young manIonut is a remarkable young man. He grew up in the Romanian orphanage system, where he suffered a terrible childhood. Since leaving institutionalisation, he has harnessed his resilience, empathy and compassion to ease the suffering of others through volunteering. Today is the UN International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, and we would like to share his story with you.
- Listening to and learning from the experience of young care leavers in Latin AmericaHope and Homes for Children are listening to, learning from and supporting young people who are making the journey from institutions to independent living at a regional conference in Bolivia this week.
- Ben, Bryan and BillyOn Universal Children's Day, we celebrate the story of Ben, Bryan and Billy, triplets saved from a life in an orphanage.
- Journalists and politicians swap seats to help close orphanagesHope and Homes for Children gave two leading members of the House of Lords the chance to get their own back on journalists today by letting the politicians ask the questions at our annual Swapping Seats lunch in London.
- Eastern Daily Press champions our End the Silence campaignThis week, the Eastern Daily Press shared the Hope and Homes for Children story and our explosive End the Silence campaign.
- European Union must champion the reform of child protection worldwideHope and Homes for Children has released a new report calling on the EU to support child protection reform beyond its own borders.
- Stars unite for the launch of our ‘End the Silence’ campaignWe are proud to announce the launch of our End the Silence campaign. Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Mark Ronson are among music stars urging fans to join them in sharing childhood musical memories online - for children suffering silently in orphanages.
- “We would not have made it as far as we have without her”; staff pay tribute to patron Princess Marina SturdzaHope and Homes for Children’s staff and supporters have been sharing their sadness and remembering the contribution of Princess Marina Sturdza, who has died of cancer, aged 65.
- Children we hear you!At Hope and Homes for Children we place great emphasis on child participation. Our whole ethos is based on listening to children to find out what they want, rather than assuming we know what they need.
- Last chance to listen to our BBC Radio 4 Charity AppealDonations to Hope and Homes for Children between 27th September and 27th December 2017 will be doubled by the UK Government as part of its UK Aid Match scheme.
- Missed it? Listen to our BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal again this week“I know what it means to grow up without the love and protection of a family, so I’m thrilled to present Hope and Homes for Children’s BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal,” said Lemn Sissay.
- Lemn Sissay MBE presents our BBC Radio 4 Charity AppealThis Sunday, the writer and actor Lemn Sissay will present our BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal at 7:54am and 9:26pm, and again on Thursday October 5th at 3:27pm.
- A family at last for Bogdan and AlexBogdan and Alex are the best of friends. They have a lot in common. Both boys were abandoned as babies and, until recently, the only home they had ever known was a loveless Romanian orphanage.
- Fresh air and sunshine at last: Dima’s storyDima is an outgoing 13-year-old from Moldova who takes an interest in other people and the world around him. For most of his childhood though, no one has taken any interest in him. Because he has multiple disabilities, Dima has spent most of his childhood confined to an orphanage and denied the chance to learn or develop. Now though, Dima is starting a new life in a Small Family Home where he will be cared for as an individual and encouraged to achieve his true potential.
- A little help goes a long wayGergana is nine years old. She lives with her mother, Ivanka and her younger brother, Boris, in a town in the South of Bulgaria. Their flat has only one bedroom and very little furniture but they are safe and they are together. After all that they've been through in recent months, that is what counts.
- Hope and Homes for Children reaches 100 orphanage closures milestoneWe are delighted to announce that this week we have reached a significant landmark, completing our 100th orphanage closure.
- New Chair of Trustees joins the teamWelcome to the team Richard Greenhalgh! Our new Chair of Trustees joins us at an exciting time of growth and innovation.
- Gauteng aims to become the first institution-free province in South AfricaToday the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), in partnership with Hope and Homes for Children, launches the One Child One Family project, which will see young children in institutional care moved in to families.
- EU Funds to Close 50 Romanian OrphanagesJohnny is one of 7,500 children in Romania confined to an institute, who will benefit from recent EU funds to close 50 orphanages across the country.
- Hope is Here AgainThe recently published addition of 'Hope' is now available to read on our website. The many inspiring stories detailing our work demonstrate the way our incredible teams are able to transform children's lives.
- The Secrets of Great Team WorkMargaret Heffernan speaking at our head office near Salisbury in May 2017
- For all children to count, all children must be countedHope and Homes for Children supports the All the Children Count Campaign which calls on the UN to include all children, wherever they live, in its statistics.
- 5,000 REAL-LIFE SUPERHEROES HIT THE STREETS TO FIGHT ORPHANAGESMORE than 5,800 real life "superheroes" were given the power to prevent kids being abandoned to orphanages in 2016 - according to figures in our new Impact Report.
- A Volunteer’s Story – time, energy, experience… and cake: just some of the things that volunteers like Audrey bring to our workA Volunteer's Story - time, energy, experience... and cake: just some of the things that volunteers like Audrey bring to our work
- My life, my voiceMy name is Norbi, I’m 16 years old and I live in Romania. Last summer Hope and Homes for Children invited me to take part in a project called 'My life, my voice'
- Mothering Sunday – How a mother’s love saved her child from life in an institutionIf Tudor's mother had not had the support she needed to be able to stand up to the authorities, he would not have a family to love and protect him.
- World Down Syndrome Day – Celebrating Tatiana’s story of hopeTatiana isn’t special because she has Down Syndrome. She’s special because she’s Tatiana. To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, this is her story.
- The photography generation, helping a generation of vulnerable childrenPhotography enthusiasts have been flocking to Soho Square, in London, for an imaginative exhibition which is helping Hope and Homes for Children to end orphanage-care.
- World must wake up to dangers of orphanage-care after deadly Guatemalan institution fireHope and Homes for Children is renewing its call on governments to commit to a world without orphanages, after a fire killed more than 30 girls at a Guatemalan institution for teenagers this week.
- New report shows the impact we are making togetherToday we are publishing our Impact Report, which sets out the positive changes we’ve made to the lives of children and families over the last year.
- 100,000 children in Ukraine confined to Soviet-style orphanage system that resists reformNew research, published by Hope and Homes for Children, reveals the extent to which Ukraine's vast system of orphanages and other institutions is failing vulnerable children and resisting reform.
- Europe-wide campaign to close orphanages enters new phaseToday, we launch the second phase of Opening Doors for Europe's Children, a pan-European campaign to strengthen families and promote the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care for children across the Continent.
- Ukraine Government backs pioneering support service for children and familiesWe are delighted to announce that, after years of negotiation and repeated set-backs, the Government of Ukraine has formally recognised our innovative Family Support Centres as an official part of the country’s child protection system.
- Transforming the lives of children in Latin AmericaA powerful article “Out of sight: the orphanages where disabled children are abandoned”, published by The Guardian online this week, highlights the abuse of children with special needs who are confined to an institution in Mexico City. “A dozen children with cerebral palsy lie on thin mattresses on the floor of a spacious room. A […]
- Children with hearing impairments reunited with their families as specialist institution closesWe are delighted to report the successful closure of the Institution for Children with Hearing Impairments in Balti, Moldova. Thanks to a close working partnership between Hope and Homes for Children and the local authorities, all the children who were housed in, or attended, the specialist facility are now living fulltime with their biological families […]
- Celebrating collaboration as the key to closing baby institutions in BulgariaThis week, Hope and Homes for Children hosted a national conference in Bulgaria to show how our model of collaboration can help to end the institutional care of babies and children. Since 2012, we have been working closely with the Bulgarian government on their programme to eradicate children’s institutions, with an immediate focus on closing […]
- Last child leaves Bulgarian orphanageWe’re delighted to announce that the Zlatica orphanage in Bulgaria has now closed for good after the last child living there – a five-month-old baby girl – left this week. She is now living with a family who can give her the individual love and attention that all children need to thrive and be happy. […]
- The orphanage where our story began is to close at lastWe’ve just had some wonderful news from our team in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This morning they signed an agreement with the local authorities to close the Bjelave Institution, the largest orphanage in the capital, Sarajevo. Every closure agreement is good news but today’s announcement holds a special significance. Bjelave is the place where the story […]
- International Women’s DayToday is International Women’s Day. To celebrate, and to remember the enormous challenges that women still face around the world, we’d like to share Nuha’s story. Nuha is a single mother who lives in Sudan, with her baby son, Ghassan. These facts alone make her a remarkable woman because, in Sudan, unmarried mothers and their […]
- Last child leaves Rwandan orphanageWonderful news – the “Home of Hope” orphanage in Kigali is now closed. The last young adult, an 18 year old boy named Nshuti, left the institution last week and is now living with his Godparents. When we began our work with “Home of Hope”, the institution housed 59 children under the age of 17. […]