Don’t put children at risk, put them in families

IT was tragic to see that Irish missionaries have exported a culture of child abuse across Africa (RTÉ Prime Time documentary Mission to Prey) but it should come as no surprise.

I am extremely concerned that the orphanage model is still being promoted in developing countries by some Irish charities when it has had such disastrous consequences for children in Ireland. In developing countries there are little or no child protection laws or safeguards.

Even the best orphanage cannot replace the individual love and care that children need from a family environment.

Most developed countries have almost completely moved away from placing children in residential care. Foster care and in-country adoption are being promoted by the UN because they are more cost-effective and child-friendly. Countries like Uganda have shown that these can be successful in a developing country.

When Irish people donate to a charity they must make sure they are not putting children at risk, but rather placing children in families.

We have a responsibility to ensure that what has happened in Ireland does not occur elsewhere.

Reuben Coulter

Chief Executive

Tearfund Ireland

Dublin 1