Children and young people need someone by their side who is there for them, listens to them, understands them, and supports them, no matter what. But today, 1 in 10 children and young people are separated from their families, abandoned, neglected or forced to live in an abusive environment, growing up without the support they need to prepare themselves for their future. The reasons vary from family to family and from country to country, are complex, and are often interlinked.
Death of a caregiver
Poverty
Forced migration
Poor physical or mental health of caregiver
Child marriage and teenage pregnancy
Lack of access to social services
Violence,abuse and neglect
By adressing the root causes for family breakdown, society can significantly reduce the number of children who need out-of-home care. Investing in families helps build stronger and more stable homes that can provide the love, security, and guidance children and young people need as they grow into adulthood. This transition time is critical in order for children to become strong, independent adults. Child-family separation can also create additional costs to governments and strain public services. So ultimately, preventing family breakdown today creates an enormous return on investment and a stronger society for the future.