Children belong in safe, loving and self-sustaining families — not orphanages.
Update: Haiti Humanitarian Crisis
As Haiti endures one of the most challenging periods in recent history, we are deeply grateful for our team’s safety and dedication. Throughout this crisis, the LFBS country team continues to protect children and strengthen families by working and standing alongside Haitian children, families, communities, and child protection authorities.
However, as levels of vulnerability increase, we need your help. Your support enables us to meet these escalating needs, both during this difficult period and for the long term.
The LFBS country team assembling emergency nutritional kits for distribution to 56 highly vulnerable families in Les Cayes, the Sud Department, and the Grand'Anse.
Our Vision
Every child in Haiti grows up in a safe, loving and self-sustaining family, supported by empowered, informed and secure communities.
Our Mission
Little Footprints Big Steps (LFBS) empowers vulnerable families that have been separated, or who are at risk of separation, by supporting local protection authorities in building a stronger child protection network. LFBS works to keep families together by addressing the root causes of separation and poverty through programming in child well-being and development, family and community development, advocacy of child rights, and community health.
Did You Know?
Photo by GBP Creative. © 2019 Shot In The Dark Media.
750+
HAITIAN ORPHANAGES WERE AUDITED IN 2018
95%
FAILED TO MEET MINIMUM STANDARDS OF CARE
Photo by GBP Creative. © 2019 Shot In The Dark Media.
MYTH: There’s an orphan crisis in Haiti
FACT: 80% of Haitian children living in orphanages have at least one living parent who could care for them at home.
By giving to community-based programs and services that support families instead of orphanages, you can help 10x as many children (compared to institutional care costs). Your support also strengthens communities for long-term progress.
MYTH: Orphanages provide safe, healthy care for children.
FACT: Neglect, abuse, slavery and human trafficking by corrupt orphanages are common.
In a 2018 audit of 750+ orphanages in Haiti, 95% failed to meet national standards of care. Eighty years of research shows that institutionalized children suffer more harmful outcomes such as suicide, crime, trafficking, prostitution, homelessness and poor health.
MYTH: It’s a hopeless situation in Haiti
FACT: Positive change is possible and happening…
In Haiti — and around the world — there’s a growing movement to support child protection reform and the process of deinstitutionalizing children toward family and community-based care. This year, LFBS is participating in a historic, government initiative to evaluate — and take action — against abusive Haitian orphanages.
Recent News
Documentary Film
Our Executive Director and Co-founder is featured in a new documentary titled Not About Me. Watch the trailer and learn more about the documentary at the filmmakers’ website.
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“LFBS is a small but mighty organization that stands out in Haiti for its leadership and reputation for promoting the best interests of children and families.”
— Amanda Cox, LUMOS Latin America and Caribbean
“LFBS represents what the heart represents to the body. Without LFBS, there would be too many children in the streets and at risk for their lives. Their partnership is unconditional, exceptional and irreplaceable.”
— Jean Robert St Louis, Principal Inspector BPM (Haiti Police Child Protection Brigade)
LFBS supports these girls to attend school to ensure they can remain at home with their single mothers and have access to quality education. Photo by GBP Creative. © 2019 Shot In The Dark Media.