We’ve pulled together some of the key facts and statistics on orphanages to help start a larger conversation:

• Globally, over 80% of children in orphanages have a living parent.
• Up to 8 million children are thought to be living in orphanages.
• Children who grow up in orphanages are at much higher risk of becoming victims of violence, trafficking and exploitation. 
• Care leavers face a higher risk of homelessness, mental health challenges and suicide. 
• In many countries, income from donations and volunteering is driving the rise in orphanages.
• Orphanages can be up to 10 times more expensive than caring for a child in a family.
• There is a global effort to end the use of orphanages. Every country in the world has committed to family-based care.