Lessons Learned from High-Quality Residential Care Centers Around the World: A Visual Story

Abstract

Evidence shows that orphaned and separated children (OSC) in resource-poor societies are more likely to experience maltreatment in the forms of neglect, discrimination, malnutrition, and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse than their non-orphaned peers. As the number of OSC rapidly increases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), it is important not to discount high-quality residential care centers (RCCs) as suitable options on the continuum of alternative care for OSC. This statement should not be taken to mean that residential care is always the best care option for OSC but that all alternative care options should be carefully evaluated to determine the best and most suitable fit for a child and their current needs. This essay uses photos as well as empirical data and non-empirical observations from several modern-day high-quality RCCs in LMICs to gather lessons and best practices on how to address child maltreatment. In summary, the high-quality RCCs in LMICs observed typically focused on holistically enriching and improving their centers at the child, organizational, and environmental levels to the greatest extent possible.