Going Around the Twist: Standards for Alternative Care (Kirsty Watkins)

The public image of alternative care has shifted significantly from the view epitomised by those famous words of a young Oliver Twist in Charles Dickens’ portrait of the English Workhouses. Although the public image of alternative care has improved, its place in developing communities and the development of children in these communities has remained confused. In the context of a global society in which millions of children are calling upon alternative care facilities, this latter question is of the utmost importance.

It is this confusing place of alternative care that this article will seek to explore. After defining alternative care, the article will explore the gate-keeping guidelines and standards on referring children to alternative care. The article will argue, in line with the advice of governments, non-governmental organisations (‘NGOs’) and individuals, that children should not be referred to institutional care except as a last resort. It will go on to consider, however, the practical issues this presents for alternative care providers through an examination of a case study of an Indian NGO, The Lovedale Foundation... Read more