In 2015, nearly 140 million children fell under the category of orphans. Out of which 52 million were from Africa alone. The numbers rapidly increase each year, leading to a shortage of shelter for young souls.

At times like these, one has to ask the million-dollar question is orphanage vs. foster care, which one is better for them.

In our experience, it depends on what you value most about childcare and the type of problems you’re willing to overlook. The ultimate goal for both institutions is to find a forever home for orphans under their care.

Here’s a breakdown of each childcare system and the differences between them:

Orphanage vs. Foster Care: Understanding the Basics

If you’re ever caught between a debate surrounding orphanages vs. foster care, then you have to ask a few questions beforehand.

Do you understand what each term means? Are you aware of the challenges these institute face? What other factors influence growth and development when they’re under a stranger’s roof?

We answer these questions by giving you an overview of both scenarios:

 Orphanage

Various organizations like churches, government bodies, and NGOs run orphanages.

These childcare institutions welcome homeless children, orphans, and those separated from parents for a prolonged period. The only catch is that the residential and basic privileges are for children of a certain age (i.e. younger than 15-18). There are often more than a dozen children residing in an orphanage.

Here are a few other things you should know:

• Many institutions get financial aid from the government and benefactors.
• NGO receives support through well-wishers, donors, patrons, and other foundations.
• They cover the necessities of a child (i.e. food, shelter, and clothing).
• Only a few orphanages provide educational support to children under their care.
• Adoption policies and compliance rights vary from one orphanage to another.

Foster Care

Foster homes are temporary places for an orphan/homeless child to stay in before adoption. The system usually caters to children who are taken away from families due to emotional trauma, abuse, or neglect.

Instead of a state-run facility, the orphans live in private homes. There voluntary foster parents provide them a healthy and wholesome family environment. It includes giving them food, shelter, clothes, and education. Like the orphanage, these systems aren’t accountable for young adults over 18.

Other facts:

• Foster parents are certified and often trained before they become eligible to take care of orphans.
• The government often provides a stipend to the foster parents.
• The system regularly checks on the children and switches homes if required.
• Children get one-on-one attention from their caregivers.
• Foster care systems separate siblings because some parents can only take in one child.

The Verdict:  Which One Is Better?

In the end, multiple factors play a role here. The orphanage vs. foster winner is a place where the child feels safe, happy, and loved. Generous and compassionate caregivers within the orphanage can offer these benefits to the child.

With that said, foster care homes provide a family environment for vulnerable children. It also allows them to get proper attention during the most challenging stage. These prove beneficial during this transitional phase.

So which one would you choose?

Donate to Orphan Life Foundation to lend a helping hand TODAY.

Together, we can raise healthier and happier children. It would make their life better while they wait to find a forever home.