The editorial argued that the strategy of keeping the parents and children together as a family unit was the course the child welfare system should take, as opposed to supporting an orphanage. Staying with the parents, however, is not always in the best interest of many children. Although family rehabilitation is important, it does not happen overnight. It is a sad reality, but some families are beyond repair within the critical time frame of a child's development. During the years it might take to repair an ailing family, the child is growing up and should be doing so in a more stable environment.
Foster homes are one of the only places available for children whose families are in turmoil.
Because not all children respond positively to the same environment, it seems appropriate to have more than one option regarding child placement if parents are not available. An orphanage of this kind would prove to be beneficial for kids. They would have a safe environment and be with other kids in situations similar to their own. The potential for the extra support system within that situation is underrated. Criticizing the initiatives of those who take the time trying to improve the situation of Minnesota children is not productive.