#institutionalcare

Good Addiction and Bad Addiction

Posted on May 18, 2022September 12, 2023 by Florence

As I gradually gained a more detailed understanding of the effects of institutionalisation on children and exactly how attachment works, I have started to realise that human beings are wired for addiction. It is part of our basic development and survival. When development happens the way it is supposed to, addiction is a great strength and support, it helps us survive. When it does not, it can become a major hurdle and can destroy us.

Best Intentions, Yet Still Causing Harm

Posted on March 17, 2021March 16, 2021 by Florence

My new book: Best Intentions, Yet Still Causing Harm. Why volunteering in orphanages does not have the effect you hoped for, is now available (after some delays, mostly pandemic related). After having witnessed the effects of volunteering in ‘orphanages’ on children for over a decade, I decided it was time to make other people aware of the unintended, but serious, consequences of this kind of volunteering.

Should There Be a Time-Limit on Family Support?

Posted on April 16, 2020April 15, 2020 by Florence

During the Immersive Simulation Lab: Family-Based Care Conference in February, one of the participants made an interesting remark, one that I feel is worth looking into more closely. He was a representative of a major NGO and said that when families were offered support in order to make family reintegration possible, there should be a time limit on the support offered.

The Stress of Institutionalised Children

Posted on April 9, 2020April 8, 2020 by Florence

While doing research for a book I am currently writing, I have gradually gotten a more and more in-depth understanding of the effects of institutionalisation on children. I have long been aware of the results, but I now have more detailed insight into the underlying mechanisms that lead to those results. It is interesting and useful to gain this increase in theoretical knowledge. However, it did not quite prepare me for the impact of seeing the proof in real life, when I did a little experiment while I was in India recently. I would like to share this with you.