Orphan Myth (2026)

What if the kids filling state-run care centers and residential shelters aren’t truly without families after all? Groundbreaking data indicates that nearly 80 percent of youth housed in these institutions still have at least one surviving parent, completely upending conventional wisdom about why youngsters are placed out of home. Rather than being discarded by neglect or emotional indifference, the overwhelming reason so many young lives enter the care system stems from crushing economic hardship and a severe shortage of community support. Compassion remains intact—it’s simply overwhelmed by systemic poverty and inadequate access to basic necessities.