SOS Children�s Villages calls for more investment in family care

Staff Writer | Tuesday November 14, 2017 16:32

Given the severe consequences of inadequate care for the development of children, the organisation recommends increased investment in supporting family care for children in vulnerable circumstances.

On November 20, Universal Children’s Day, SOS Children’s Villages, the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children without parental care and families at risk, stresses the importance of a loving family for children. Without the loving care of a parent or other adult caregiver, children are less likely to develop the skills they need to become contributing members of society, says the organisation.

Expert insight summarised in a new report from SOS Children’s Villages entitled ‘The Care Effect’ shows that children who do not receive the love and care they need struggle to achieve their potential. They do less well at school, and have trouble focusing and developing social skills. Later in life, they are also more prone to depression and substance abuse, leading to higher rates of attempted suicide. They do not develop the resilience to cope with inevitable adversity. And University of California Los Angeles Professor Allan Schore, an expert in developmental neuroscience, has shown that the size of the brain is influenced by a lack of love.

“This not only affects children, but society as a whole. Millions of children end up in poverty, become involved in crime or experience unemployment because no one cares for them or believes in their potential.” Mr Motshwari Kitso- National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Botswana.

With a moving video created from children’s and families’ home videos from around the world, and championed through a Thunderclap social media campaign by International Ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages and Belgian professional footballer, Vincent Kompany, the organisation emphasises its claim that ‘no child should grow up alone’. Visit www.nochildalone.com to support the campaign.