An Assessment of Armenia’s Residential Childcare Institutions as a Case Study in International Child Protection

Abstract

There are more than 150 million orphaned children worldwide, representing a significant challenge for stakeholders devoted to international child protection. The “best interests of the child” standard requires that all protective decisions be made to ensure each child’s comfort and security. In early 2020 an empirical study was undertaken in Armenia’s residential childcare institutions to examine six constructs: abuse and neglect, education, food safety, hygiene, institutionalization and reunification, and sexual abuse. While institutionalization has historically been considered contrary to a child’s best interests, results from the current study suggest that residential childcare alternatives may advance childcare protection. Rather than reflexively rejecting residential care, which may deny vulnerable children a safe haven during times of crisis, emotional stability during formative years, an improved standard of living, and superior long-term academic and professional opportunities, decision makers should weigh the consequences of child rearing with biological parents against all alternative environments, including institutionalization.