Why orphanages and institutional care aren’t the answer—and what works instead

After more than 75 years of providing care to separated and orphaned children at SOS Children’s Villages, we know there is a better way—one that ensures every child experiences the love, security and sense of belonging that emerges from growing up in a stable, nurturing family.  

The harmful impact of institutional care on children 

Children thrive in environments where they receive personalized attention, emotional support and develop trusting bonds with nurturing adults. However, institutional care fails to provide this essential foundation. 

In institutional care, such as traditional orphanages, child-to-caregiver ratios can be as high as 31:1, depriving a child of the one-on-one emotional connection and guidance they need to develop emotionally and mentally.  

Other devastating effects of institutional care 

• Delayed cognitive, physical and socio-emotional development: Inadequate nutrition common in many institutions can lead to stunted physical growth for children while lack of intentional, one-on-one interactions with caregivers leads to delayed cognitive development in problem-solving, memory, communication, emotional regulation and more. 

• Risk of developing mental health disorders: Paired with the trauma of losing their parents, the lack of a stable caregiver—and often being separated from biological siblings—children in institutional care experience higher levels of anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

• Increased risk of abuse, exploitation and neglect: Children in institutions are at higher risk of all forms abuse, including trafficking, other forms of exploitation and neglect, especially in poorly regulated facilities with overworked caregivers and high child-to-caregiver ratios.  

A better alternative 

The best interest of a child who has lost parental care will not be found in cold, clinical, institutional settings—every child deserves to grow up in a loving, stable home with all the resources they need to develop healthy relationships and reach their full potential.  

Family matters: The SOS Children’s Villages approach 

SOS Children’s Villages innovative, family-based model ensures children grow up in stable homes with nurturing caregivers, where:  

• They receive individualized attention and emotional support from a trauma-informed trained caregiver. 

• They remain together with their siblings, growing up in the same SOS home and preserving vital family bonds. 

• They grow up in a safe, loving environment with everything they need to reach their full potential—like nutritious food, access to quality education, professional physical and mental health care and much more. 

Family-like care unlocks children’s futures.  

A study conducted in 40 countries from former SOS Children’s Villages participants showed that 92% have strong relationships with friends and family and feel they give good care to their own children, passing down the quality of care they received to the next generation.  

Meet Alejandra: A life transformed with family-like care

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Welcomed into SOS Children’s Villages in Peru at only two days old, all Alejandra has known is the unconditional love and support of a family.  

Her SOS Mother, Isabel, created a safe, nurturing environment for Alejandra and her eight SOS siblings.  

“My SOS Mother took care of me, and I’m so grateful to have her,” Alejandra said. “SOS provided me with everything: education, health, developing my social skills. Just everything. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goals.” 

With crucial emotional support, love from her SOS siblings and Mother and her basic needs provided for her, Alejandra was free to experience the joys of being a child before achieving an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering. 

In 2020, she moved to the United States to work, and in 2023, she began working at Art&Soul, an art studio in Atlanta, Georgia. She worked diligently for years, and when the business owner decided to sell, Alejandra saw an opportunity to fulfill her dream of owning her own business. 

In early 2025, using the funds from her Independence Fund—an account where all the gifts from her sponsor were saved—Alejandra purchased the studio and achieved her dream of owning her own business! 

“When I was a kid, I always told myself that the goal was to have my own business,” Alejandra said. “I was only able to buy this business because of that money from my sponsor.” 

Alejandra’s next goal? Create an inclusive space where community members from all walks of life and artistic ability can express themselves while helping others. 

Now, Alejandra promotes SOS as an avenue for customers and community members to give back. 

“I’m humble. I’m ambitious. I’m grateful,” Alejandra said. “I’m honest and loyal and hard-working. I’m all of these things because SOS raised me like that and provided all the education and skills I would need. Now, I want to provide other children the same things I received.” 

How you can help more children grow up in safe, loving families 

No child should grow up alone.  

With your support, we can continue:  

• Preventing children from institutionalization by strengthening families so they can remain together. 

• Welcoming separated or orphaned children into a safe, loving home at an SOS Children’s Village. 

By sponsoring a child, donating to strengthen families or sharing this article to raise awareness about the need for a global shift away from institutional care, you can join our worldwide movement to create a brighter future where every child grows up in a safe, loving family.