Redheaded Jill

As far as I know the US doesn’t have orphanages. I know there is foster care, I know there are children homes and half way houses, but no traditional orphanages. I think this should change.

Not an Oliver Twist type situation, but a big house full of people who can tend to the kids. My favorite thing on this planet is cuddling a baby. There are doubtless multitudes of women who would volunteer for such a task. (I know there’s a lot more involved than just baby cuddles, but let’s start with the simplest thing first. Babies need cuddles, contact, love, attention.)

I’m picturing a large house with several women who can act as house moms interchangeably. A place where kids can play and receive love and attention and affection. Where the older kids can be taught skills and where babies can be loved on. The interaction between babies/children and adults is crucial to healthy development.

I have heard about orphanages run by the Church in India that are extremely effective and safe for the kids. I’m sure there are some problems, but Korea seems to have a successful orphanage system.

I can’t help but wonder developmentally if a child would benefit from being put in one place and remaining there until adoption or adulthood rather than jumping from foster home to foster home. Maybe we could prevent some of the abuse and trauma by giving kids an as stable environment as possible.

There are things I’ve pondered over the years, but I haven’t done the research necessary to actually start such an endeavor. This is the type of organization or charity I’d want to donate time, money and items to.