Baby Elephant Orphanage Institution, Kenya

Increasingly there is a move to Deinstitutionalise child care systems. This involves closing down orphanages and other institutions for children and developing replacement services. The first option for a child is to see if they can be reunited with their biological or extended family. Often circumstances will have changed since the separation. If that is not possible domestic adoption or long term fostering are considered. Older children may be supported to independence. Disabled children may need small family type homes where their needs can be catered for.
It is important to understand the reasons for child abandonment then set up targeted alternative services to support vulnerable families at risk of separation such as mother and baby units and day care centres.