Bring back orphanages—An alternative to foster care?

The current foster care system in America has not been successful in transitioning youth who are in the system to become productive, independent adults in today's society. Study after study cites the poor adjustment of foster care youth in school settings because of constant change in foster care placements and the corresponding poor achievement of these students. We find many of the youth needing public aide, working at low-paying jobs (if working at all), often caught up in the criminal corrections system, and homeless. Having had no permanent home and very often lacking positive role models, these children have little opportunity to build a solid foundation that might give them the chance to succeed.In addition, the current foster care system has in place short-term home placements, and this system is failing. What is needed are long-term placements for these children–placements that last until adulthood. What we are suggesting is that we as a society consider bringing back orphanages–wellrun facilities that provide a stable environment over time, good educational opportunities, and the chance for the children to develop emotionally in a secure, nurturing environment such as those found at Boys Town, the Hershey School, Kinderhaus and The SEED Foundation.

Research Highlights
► We need to give foster kids a sense of what it feels like to have a happy home life—a sense of belonging and the feeling that someone really cares about them.
► It is essential that policies be put into place at the national, state and local levels that support effective educational reforms and innovative practices.
► We must bring foster children a continuation of services and experiences that brings real world relevance into their lives.
► The time has come to embrace orphanages as a pathway to provide a better foster care system for our youth.