Growing up in a safe and loving family, where children can thrive and reach their full potential is the best foundation – and protective factor – for children. If a child for some reason can´t stay with its family or a relative, family-based alternative should always be the first option. Yet, all over the world, millions of children are still placed in institutions, remaining among the most vulnerable members of society and often facing the grave risk of sexual abuse.
Ever since the beginning of Childhood – improving the situation for children in institutions – or children at risk of being placed in institutions – has been at the core of our operations. From the remaining large institutions of the Soviet era in Eastern Europe, to orphanages in Thailand, and state youth care in Sweden, they have always been at the center of our efforts.
We’ve invested in and developed family-based alternatives, helped children reunite with their families and pushed for a systemic change.
In recent years our efforts have contributed to three major achievements that will have a big impact on children and young people: a political decision in Sweden to fundamentally reform state youth care, a strong impetus to reform the institutional care system in Ukraine and a national statement to focus on family-based alternatives to orphanages in Thailand.
