Erikshjälpen and Childhood in debate article against orphanages

The harmful effects of orphanages have long been known. Children in institutions are at greatly increased risk of violence and abuse, and they often carry trauma and attachment problems with them throughout their lives. These children are also at increased risk of criminality, substance abuse and mental health problems. Orphanages are simply not a safe place for children.

Up to 90% of children in institutions around the world have a parent alive. Often, it is poverty or other social traumas that lead to children being placed in orphanages. More and more countries are now choosing to close down orphanages and invest in support services so that children can grow up in families. Despite this, the idea that orphanages are good for vulnerable children persists. Donations from Sweden and other countries continue to flow in, when the needs are actually quite different.

Erikshjälpen, together with the World Childhood Foundation, works to spread knowledge and create debate about how children are affected by growing up in orphanages and encourage a commitment to more sustainable alternatives.

Read our debate article in Aftonbladet here: Stop Donate money to orphanages, Swedes