An orphanage is a residential institution or group home that provides care for orphans and children who, for various reasons, are unable to live with their families
. Orphanages have been established in many countries throughout history, with some dating back to the 1800s
. While some orphanages have been successful in providing care for children, others have been criticized for their institutional nature and lack of family-like environment
. Some orphanages have attempted to address these criticisms by focusing on reuniting children with family members or finding adoptive or foster parents for those without
. Despite these efforts, institutional care is often at odds with creating a true family environment
