Resources
The Effects of Institutionalization on Children
CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONS, THE GLOBAL PICTURE
In this document the problem of the ‘orphan myth’ is explored, where people assume these institutions, or ‘orphanages’, are there to support orphans, but a large percentage have a living parent. In addition, the factsheet details the impact of poverty, disability, discrimination, child trafficking, exploitation, abuse and neglect have on the amount of orphans globally. – Produced by Lumos
CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONS, THE RISKS
Residential institutions for children have many names around the world, including orphanages, children’s home and baby home. Certain institutions have the potential to cause health risks to brain development and increase the chances of neglect, abuse and exploitation and risk to long-term life chances. In this factsheet, Lumos details all possible risks and damage of institutionalization and the solution to the problem.
KEEPING CHILDREN OUT OF HARMFUL INSTITUTIONS – SAVE THE CHILDREN
One of the biggest myths is that children in orphanages are there because they have no parents. This is not the case. Most are there because their parents simply can’t afford to feed, clothe and educate them. For governments and donors, placing children in institutions is often seen as the most straightforward solution. This report sheds new light on the use of institutional care for children. It examines the latest evidence of the harm that institutional care can cause to children. It explores why governments and donors continue to prioritise institutional care, despite the harm it can cause. And, finally, it argues for a range of interventions to support children within their own families and communities, and for family and community-based alternatives for those children needing care outside of their own families. This report was co-produced by Save the Children UK and the Save the Children Child Protection Initiative.
HOME COMIC BOOK
This story comes from Cambodia, however, it reflects the real situations in many countries throughout SE Asia. We see in this story that the children take no part in expressing any opinion or making any decision for their own lives. This book speaks for children, expressing their opinions and feelings that we might take for granted or never listen to.
U.N. Documents and Resources
U.N. GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATIVE CARE OF CHILDREN
The Guidelines explain why it is necessary to make arrangements for some children to live away from their parents and which alternatives might be right for children in different situations.
UNICEF REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE CARE IN THAILAND 2015
The purpose of this research was to capture more accurate and detailed information regarding children in various forms of alternative care in Thailand, as well as the legal, policy, management and oversight environment surrounding them in order to plan and programme more strategically in the area of alternative care, and simultaneously contribute to the global evidence base for international findings and recommendations on alternative care.
APPLICATION OF THE U.N. GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATIVE CARE
One of the aims of this site is to bring as much of the information about alternative as possible to a Thai speaking audience. If you have relevant reports or documents Thai language please contact us so that we can add them to this site.
Tools To Move Forward
MOVING FORWARD – IMPLEMENTING THE GUIDELINES
It highlights implications for policy-making where national governments should provide leadership as well as examples of what is being done on the ground internationally.
MAKING DECISIONS FOR THE BETTER CARE OF CHILDREN
IN OUR LIFETIME
Donors play a vital role in making this a reality and in influencing other stakeholders on the ground, especially those who are resistant to reform. This report provides donors with the information they need to make informed decisions about investments and funding in relation to the institutionalization of children, which is known to be harmful to their health, development and future life chances. It encourages donors to review funding procedures to ensure that they are strengthening families through reforming community-based services and not inadvertently funding institutional care.
FAMILIES, NOT ORPHANAGES
Institutionalization in Thailand
A HIDDEN CRISIS, THE PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE CHILDREN’S HOMES IN THAILAND
Based on research conducted in 2016 and 2017 this report estimates the full extent of the unregistered private children’s home industry in Thailand.
Existing under the radar and without government monitoring, these institutions are home to thousands of children in Thailand. Their very existence confirms the large gap that Thailand is yet to cross in order to implement the guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.
EXPLORING THE “ORPHANAGE MYTH” IN THAILAND
Based on interviews with 605 children in December 2014 this report looks at the reasons why children entered 17 unregistered private children’s homes in Sangkhlaburi District.
The study also looked at the standards of care provided by the homes.
With 90% of the children confirming that they have at least one living parent and the majority identifying poverty or its consequences as the main reason they came to the home, this report found a huge gap between the current operating of these children’s homes and the good practice set out in the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children
Thailand Government Laws and Reports
THAILAND CHILD PROTECTION ACT 2003
CRCCT CHIANG MAI RESEARCH REPORT
Volunteer Resources
BEFORE VOLUNTEERING – RETHINKINGORPHANAGES.ORG
7 TIPS FOR TRAVELERS – CHILD SAFE MOVEMENT
WHY TO SAY NO – RETHINKORPHANAGES.ORG
Here’s what to look for to make sure your time overseas is genuinely spent making a difference:
Vulnerable Children Resources
BUILDING FUTURES IN THAILAND
Family Strengthening Resources
ACT’s FAMILY STRENGTHENING HANDBOOK
Supporting and strengthening families to care for their own children can keep them from needing alternative care – both now and in the future. The Family Strengthening Handbook is an ACT project aimed at guiding practitioners on how best to strengthen families at risk of needing alternative care. This resource was born from studying the work of 10 different organizations doing family strengthening work in Thailand. The result is a comprehensive guide for how to strengthen families in vulnerable situations. It outlines some best practices from around Thailand that have proven to work in building the capacity of adults in order to improve outcomes for children.
We also offer a 3-day training in how to use this handbook in both English and Thai as well as a 5-day TOT for anyone wanting to be trained in how to equip others with this tool. Contact us for more information!