'Child with disability is better off at home than in a home'
On May 13, BCNN issued a call in Trouw on behalf of 36 organizations to give children with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries a home, instead of a home.
The full opinion article:
'On May 15, the international day of the family, worldwide attention is drawn to the importance of a family and family for the upbringing of children. Worldwide, an estimated six million children grow up in children's homes and not with their own families. A substantial part of this group of children has a disability: physical, mental or both.
Children with a disability are much better off if they can grow up in a family or with relatives. We therefore call on everyone to no longer maintain homes, but to support organizations that offer help to children with disabilities and their families.
Why is taking care of children with a disability in a home not a good idea? Children are disadvantaged and damaged by living in a home. The United Nations, renowned scientists and many development organizations are unanimous: even if there is good care, children in homes are damaged. Children suffer further delays in physical growth and cognitive development, they develop separation anxiety, develop attachment problems and develop low self-confidence. This is due to the lack of individual attention from permanent caregivers who are always there for a child.
Poverty and the stigma of having a child with a disability appear to be the main reasons why children with a disability end up in a home. 80% of the children in so-called 'orphanages' worldwide still have one or both parents. Most children can live at home with help and guidance. That is why our organizations provide tailor-made solutions day in and day out and thus ensure that children with a disability can continue to live at home or can return home. We also work hard together with our local partner organizations to break through the existing stigmas of having a child with a disability.
If a child is abused, hidden or neglected at home, it is sometimes necessary to place a child in a shelter. But then for the shortest possible period, to find a good solution from there. For most children, this is possible within their own family or community. Some children require small-scale, specialized care, with permanent, professional carers. Worldwide, a transition is underway from care in homes to care by family. We call on you to contribute to this by supporting families with children with a disability.
Patricia Nieuwenhuizen
Coordinator Better Care Network Netherlands
The organizations that endorse this: Better Care Network Netherlands, Defense for Children - ECPAT, Red een Kind, WereldOuders, Wereldkinderen, Free a Girl, Wilde Ganzen, Westerlaken Foundation, Yayasan Setetes Embun, Friendship Foundation, Family-Based Solutions.org, Foundation Mullai, Friends of Christopher Foundation, Adamfo Ghana, Dutch Tanzania Foundation, Leprosy Mission Netherlands, Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development, SeeYou Foundation, Tan Kids Foundation, Misa Foundation, SOFT tulip, Give a Child a Family, Niketan Foundation, KidsCare Kenya, Family Power, Medi-Aid Holland Sri Lanka Foundation, Outreach Support Ministries, Mission Lanka Foundation, Afia & You Foundation, Puppet Interview Programme, COLT-Cambodia, Bokemei Foundation, Daniëlle Children's Fund, Friends of Lotus,Mama and Me Uganda Foundation and Upendo Daima Netherlands Foundation.
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