Orphanage

Orphanage

An orphanage is a residential institution, or group home, devoted to the care of orphans and other children who have been separated from their biological families. Examples of what would cause a child to be placed in orphanages are when the parents are deceased, the child's parents are unable to care for the child, or the child is abandoned.

History

The idea of orphanages for abandoned children actually started in Europe in the medieval times. This was due to the fact that there was a drastic increase in the number of abandoned children. The first orphanage was established in Italy in the 18th century. The system of orphanages did not come to the United States until the 19th century.

Modern Day Orphanages

In the modern era, orphanages have been replaced in many countries by other models, such as foster care, adoption, and group homes. However, many developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, still rely heavily on orphanages because of social, cultural, and economic reasons.

Criticism

Orphanages have been criticized for several reasons. The main criticism is that children growing up in institutions may develop attachment disorders due to the lack of a consistent caregiver. Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages have lower IQs and are more likely to have mental health issues than children raised in families.

See Also

• Foster care
• Adoption
• Group home
• Attachment disorder

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