Henry Smith MP has pledged to support efforts to end the institutional care of children globally and ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up in a family at an event held last week in the Houses of Parliament hosted by international charity Hope and Homes for Children. 

Commenting, Henry said:

 “As a parent with young children myself, I was shocked to learn that an estimated eight million children across the world are suffering life in an institution or orphanage. Prisoners of outdated childcare systems, they’re deprived of love, attention and care. 

“Years of research has shown that this neglect has a devastating impact on a child’s life. Children raised in poor quality institutions fail to stand or walk by the age of four. Many have lower educational performance and are at higher risk of developing personality disorders later in life. They’re more likely to become homeless, turn to crime and prostitution or commit suicide. It’s an appalling fact that neglect, abuse and malnutrition leads to the death of many children in institutions.”

Hope and Homes for Children is the leading expert in closing children's institutions and reforming childcare systems. Their work is focused on replacing institutions with quality family-based care, such as adoption and fostering, and putting in place services which support families and prevent children going into care in the first place.  For more information please go to their website, www.hopeandhomes.org.