The process of closing orphanages and facilitating the reunification of children with their families is fraught with complexities and emotional challenges. Our experiences with various orphanage closures have highlighted a spectrum of outcomes, ranging from successful transitions that uplift children and families to heart-wrenching situations where deep-seated issues emerge, necessitating urgent and sensitive interventions.
Note: This update is prompted to address inquiries on the relationships between Overture International and God’s Littlest Angels.
In our ongoing reunification work, Overture was asked to engage with the orphanage operated by God’s Littlest Angels (GLA), a charity in the United States and Canada. Initially, our hope was that collaboration with GLA would lead to a fruitful partnership, culminating in the safe and supportive pre- and post-reunification of children with their families. Unfortunately, the reality has proven to be more complicated and distressing.
During the reunification process, serious allegations of abuse surfaced, prompting an immediate investigation by the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), Haiti’s Child Welfare and Protection Agency. This investigation, which remains active, has led to significant restrictions on GLA's involvement with the children. Specifically, they are currently prohibited from accessing the children or providing any services to them during the ongoing inquiry. This situation not only reflects the gravity of the allegations but also underscores the necessity of a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected children.
While GLA initially provided Overture funding to support the reunification process's pre and placement phases, this financial assistance has not continued post-reunification. This shift in support poses challenges as we strive to deliver essential services to the children who have transitioned back to their families or are placed with a loving foster family. Despite the absence of GLA's funding, Overture, in collaboration with IBESR, remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that these children receive comprehensive post-reunification care.
Our dedicated team of social workers, psychologists, and healthcare professionals have been actively engaged in providing necessary services to these children. These services include regular visits to monitor their emotional and psychological well-being, nutritional support to combat malnutrition, medical care to address health issues, and economic support to strengthen families. Additionally, we offer case management services to assist IBESR in tracking each child's progress and ensuring that their needs are being met.
The long-standing contributors to Overture have enabled us to maintain these vital services. Their unwavering support allows us to continue our mission of fostering a nurturing environment for children who have experienced the upheaval of orphanage life and to promote family reunification wherever possible.
It is important to note that Overture adheres to a strict policy regarding donor engagement. Unlike many orphanages that connect donors to specific children, we prioritize each child's and their family's rights and privacy. Stories of success and resilience are shared with the explicit consent of the families, preserving the dignity of the families involved while also providing transparency to our supporters.
As we navigate these challenging circumstances, we remain committed to safeguarding the interests of the children and families we serve. Our partnership with IBESR is crucial in this effort, and we will continue to advocate for the best outcomes for all children affected by the closure of the GLA orphanage. Together, we strive to create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive within a loving and supportive family environment.
Click here to read more about why Orphanages are NOT the Answer!