Getting kids out of institutions

More than five million children live in orphanages or other institutions - the vast majority in low or middle income countries.

Staff are often overstretched, poorly paid and don’t last long in the job, which leaves children deprived of one of the most important things for healthy development - a consistent, loving relationship.

Organisations around the world are now working hard to find these children the one thing they desperately need - a family. But in countries with high rates of poverty and fragile social work and foster care systems, it’s not always easy.

We visit a project in Colombia to meet the children, parents, and trainee foster carers whose lives are taking a very different turn. And in the UK, we look at a project giving foster families the support network they need.

Presenter: Myra Anubi

Reporters: Megan Janetsky and Jo Mathys

Producer: Craig Langran

Executive producer: Tom Colls

Production Coordinator: Ibtisam Zein

Sound Mix: Annie Gardiner

Editor: Penny Murphy

Image: A mother and daughter in Colombia