and Here's Why...
When it comes to caring for vulnerable children, many organizations and those who support them believe that orphanages are the best solution. While there may be orphanages managed by well-meaning people, evidence shows that these institutions ultimately harm children, reducing their opportunity for long-term success. The harms perpetuated on children raised in orphanages include:
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being deprived of the family environment that is crucial for healthy physical, emotional, social and spiritual development
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being stripped of the opportunity to form healthy relationships due to the high turnover of volunteers and staff in orphanages
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exposing vulnerable children to physical and sexual abuse due to neglect and poor safeguarding practices
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creating extreme dependency and inability to integrate into Haitian society
​While Haitian children face challenges even when living with their families, their risk of being harmed is increased exponentially when they are turned over to an orphanage. That’s why orphanages are NOT the answer!
​Through our work with Haitians, we’re seeing incredible transformations take place in one of the most challenging regions in the world. This transformation includes moving hundreds of children out of dangerous orphanages over the last few years, reuniting them with their families and providing the information, tools and training they need to create safe, nurturing homes and communities.
​We invite you to read online or download the booklet series by clicking on the images below in English or in French and learn more about orphanages and our approach to strengthening families:
Part 1 of Overture's Stronger Series: Orphanages are NOT the answer is focused on ending the orphanage system in Haiti and providing a framework for doing so. Our first installment focuses on the harm inherent in the orphanage system and challenges churches and other donors to reconsider their support of it. We know this is not an easy conversation, but it is an issue about which we can no longer turn the other way.
Part 2 of Overture's Stronger Series: Orphanages are NOT the answer - Uniting Families is centered on the reunification process. We shine a light on the challenges of the process as well as Overture’s proven process for ensuring the best chances of success. We also share the enlightening and uplifting story of the transformation of the ESPWA orphanage from a place of harm to one of hope as it has evolved into a center for community strengthening.
Read in English
Part 3 of Overture's Stronger Series: Orphanages are NOT the answer - from Reunification to Resilience expands on Step 4 from the previous booklet: Post reunification and family strengthening. Preventing family separation in the long term requires communities to be equipped with the resources for families to overcome obstacles and have access to opportunities so they can build stronger, sustainable futures.
For a printed copy of the Booklets, please email: lisa@overture.international
Learn More
While the insights in our booklet series, "Orphanages are NOT the answer!" are based on Overture International’s deep experience with issues related to orphanages and reunification, there are many other respected voices speaking into this conversation.
We encourage you to continue to learn more about this important subject by visiting the links below:
Understanding U.S. Christian SUPPORT & PERCEPTIONS of Orphanages:
Haiti's Foster Care System
*Translated from French with DeepL Translator
Institute for Human Resources
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End the Silence: the case for the elimination of institutional care of children
by Hope & Homes for Children
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Orphanage Entrepreneurs: The Trafficking of Haiti's Invisible Children
by Lumos
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Cycles of Exploitation: The Links Between Children's Institutions and Human Trafficking
by Lumos
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When Helping Hurts Vulnerable Children
by Brian Fikkert, Gabriel Walder, and Jack Eans
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Why Funding for Orphanages is Harming the Children it Aims to Help
Policy Brief
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Funding Haitian Orphanages at the Cost of Children's Rights
by Lumos
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