In the West, abuse of children in residential homes continues to be reported and has longterm consequences for the affected children. In sub-Saharan Africa the use of residential care appears to be increasing because of the deaths of parents from HIV/AIDS. Asia is beginning to face similar issues. Armed conflict kills parents, separates children from families and necessitates urgent solutions to childcare problems. In former socialist countries, the new governments have to overcome the legacy of large, resource-consuming institutions that are not an answer to childcare and child protection problems.
This paper sets out the International Save the Children Alliance’s position on the residential care of children and highlights concerns about its growing use. Its aim is to draw attention to an area that has largely been ignored as a rights issue for international attention and action.
©International Save the Children Alliance
