#Vantage Foundation #Portugal #Lisbon #SOS Children's Villages #Child Neglect

Vantage Foundation Visits SOS Children’s Villages in Portugal

On April 15, 2025, the Vantage Foundation made a significant visit to SOS Children's Villages in Lisbon, Portugal. This visit highlighted the pressing issue of child neglect, a stealthy menace to child welfare that often goes unnoticed compared to outright abandonment. During this visit, key figures from SOS Children’s Villages, including fundraising coordinator Teresa Conceição and brand manager Emerson Marques, discussed the organization’s ongoing commitment to protecting children suffering from neglect, abandonment, or abuse for over 60 years.

Every ten minutes in Portugal, a child grows up without the fundamental support they need. Many of these children face chronic neglect that can span generations. Unlike more overt forms of abuse, neglect often evades notice, resulting in children enduring long-term emotional trauma, broken trust, and developmental challenges. SOS Children’s Villages Portugal is dedicated to breaking this cycle through prevention, protection, and advocacy, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks.

Neglect represents more than just a lack of care—it's a chronic erosion of trust that can have devastating effects on mental health and development. Children affected by neglect frequently experience emotional disorders, attachment issues, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Without intervention, the cycle of neglect continues, trapping families in a generational struggle.

SOS Children’s Villages Portugal addresses the root causes of neglect by fortifying families through education, mental health support, and emergency assistance. By tackling systemic issues head-on, the organization works to prevent family breakups and reduce the need for foster care. When family separation is unavoidable, SOS ensures that children receive quality care in nurturing environments. This includes keeping siblings together, tailoring care to individual needs, and providing specialized training for caregivers on trauma-informed practices.

Moreover, the organization advocates for stronger legal protections for youths exiting the foster care system, equipping them with the tools necessary for independent living. Recognizing that collaboration is vital in the fight against neglect, the Vantage Foundation has aligned itself with organizations like SOS Children’s Villages. Together, they amplify the voices of vulnerable children and contribute to breaking the cycle of neglect within families.

Emerson Marques emphasized the hidden yet dangerous nature of child neglect, stating, 'The more silent it is, the more dangerous it becomes. Sharing this message is vital to breaking the cycle—we need more people to be aware, concerned, and join this cause. Only then can we ensure that no child grows up without the love, respect, and security they deserve.'

The executive director of the Vantage Foundation, Steven, remarked on the inspirational work being done at SOS Children’s Villages Portugal. He pointed out that it exemplifies the possibilities that arise when prioritizing children’s futures and emphasizes the importance of collective action. 'Neglect is a silent crisis—but together, we can bring it to light and inspire real change.'

By confronting neglect head-on, we can build a world where every child grows up enveloped in love, respect, and safety.

This initiative forms part of the Vantage Foundation's ongoing commitment to empowering vulnerable communities. For more information about SOS Children's Villages Portugal, visit SOS Children's Villages.

About Vantage Foundation

The Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organization established at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation partners with organizations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach For Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to conduct impactful social initiatives.

For further information, please visit Vantage Foundation.