On October 11 at a press conference, Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin the General Director of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) indicated that the IBESR had identified 754 welcome homes (formerly called orphanage) in the 10 departments, which host a total of 25,813 children.

Of these 754 houses she revealed that only 35 (4.6%) met the standards set by law, stating that this low number is the cause of the very strict criteria imposed.

The 35 houses authorized to operate in Haiti are classified in the green category. 139 are in the yellow category and will have 3 months to improve their operating conditions, provide a better living environment for children and comply with standardized standards. Finally, 580 houses are classified in the red category, including shelters at risk of trafficking, sexual and physical abuse. Regarding this red category, Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin said that the IBESR held all the information concerning these centers and that measures will follow. Recalling that in 2016, 160 children's homes had been closed.

Moreover, Mrs. Villedrouin regretted that despite the 70 million US dollars invested in Haiti each year by the partners for children "their situation remains precarious" adding that in this regard, she had asked the partners to invest rather directly in families and communities.

Concluding that "The environment of a foster home is not the most appropriate place for the development of a child" emphasizing that nearly 80% of these children have an extended family or a close relative...

On 5 October, IBESR) closed the "The Goodness of God" orphanage, which housed 51 children (29 boys and 22 girls). "These children were in a vulnerable situation and were in a situation of vulnerability and were subject to sexual abuse and serious negligence," says a note from the IBESR. The children were moved to another, more respectful shelter.

S/ HaitiLibre