In Israel today, there are more than 10,000 children growing up in 80 residential group homes across the country. These children, ranging from birth to 14 year olds, have been removed from their homes by court order or by the welfare authorities, mainly due to their parents' inability to provide them with care and protection. For these children, who have suffered from neglect and abuse, the concepts of home, family, support and protective adults are not to be taken for granted.
Yeladim - Fair Chance for Children is a voluntary organization, founded in 1986, in order to assist children in residential group homes. The Council functions primarily in those areas which are not budgeted by the Ministries of Social Welfare, Education and Health. The Council's activities are coordinated with the Department of Child and Youth Services in the Israel Ministry of Social Welfare.
The main goal of the Council is to provide these children with similar opportunities to those enjoyed by children living with their families and, thus, to enable them to grow up to be independent and productive adults.
The Council's activities are in two areas:
