That's nearly the population of New York City.
ThAT's 2x the number of students in the 10 largest school districts in the US.
It's nearly the population of Switzerland.
Most children in institutions will grow up without ever knowing the love of a family.
Why?
Most children in institutions will grow up without ever knowing the love of a family.
Why?
Deeply rooted systemicproblems including:
The average institution has just 1 adult caregiver for every 20 children.
WHAT DOES INSTITUTIONAL CARE LOOK LIKE?
All of the children we serve have experienced trauma. The majority them have experienced 5-6 of the trauma risk factors.
- Drug or alcohol exposure
- Difficult birth
- Early hospitalization
- Abuse
- Abandonment or institutionalization
- Poverty, multiple foster homes
Trauma affects a child’s
- Behavior: 10 times more likely to use drugs
- Brain: Children living in an institution have an average IQ of 20 points lower than peers who reside in a family environment
- Body: 390% more likely to have chronic heart disease
- Beliefs: 12 times more likely to attempt suicide
- Biology: Unresolved trauma can be genetically passed down
On average, children living in institutions have an IQ that is 20 points lower than children raised in a family.
On average, children living in institutions have an IQ that is 20 points lower than children raised in a family.
“Toxic stress response can occur when a child experiences strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity—such as physical or emotional abuse, [or] chronic neglect. . . without adequate adult support. When toxic stress response occurs continually, or is triggered by multiple sources, it can have a cumulative toll on an individual’s physical and mental health—for a lifetime. The more adverse experiences in childhood, the greater the likelihood of developmental delays and later health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse, and depression.” —Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
Tragically, if no one intervenes, most of the children living in INSTITUTIONS WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE WITHOUT THE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO TRULY THRIVE.
Tragically, if no one intervenes, most of the children living in INSTITUTIONS WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE WITHOUT THE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO TRULY THRIVE.