At Least Four Out of Five Children in 'Orphanages' Still Have Parents, Save the Children Reveals, page 1

This means that millions of children are unnecessarily at risk of the dangers of living in institutions, including rape, exploitation, trafficking, beatings, torture, and psychological harm. Children are also likely to experience the trauma of being separated from parents who, with the right support, could look after them at home

In some countries, orphanages have become big business, as the people who run them are often given financial incentives by governments or well-meaning donors. Save the Children's report warns that this has contributed to the number of orphanages rising dramatically in recent years, particularly in Africa and Asia. For example, there are 11 times more orphanages in Liberia now than 20 years ago. This in turn can lead to the active recruitment of children to fill the orphanages by unscrupulous owners who use promises of education and a better life to lure poor families into giving up their children.

In some countries, orphanages have become big business, as the people who run them are often given financial incentives by governments or well-meaning donors. Save the Children's report warns that this has contributed to the number of orphanages rising dramatically in recent years, particularly in Africa and Asia. For example, there are 11 times more orphanages in Liberia now than 20 years ago. This in turn can lead to the active recruitment of children to fill the orphanages by unscrupulous owners who use promises of education and a better life to lure poor families into giving up their children.