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

Addressing Child Neglect in Portugal: A Visit by the Vantage Foundation

The Vantage Foundation recently undertook a significant journey to the SOS Children’s Villages located in Lisbon, Portugal, to engage with local leaders about one of the most pressing yet often overlooked issues facing children today: neglect. This form of maltreatment, unlike outright abandonment, frequently goes unrecognized, leading to lasting adverse effects on vulnerable children who endure it.

During their visit, the foundation's executives met with Teresa Conceição, the Corporate Fundraising Coordinator, and Emerson Marques, the Brand and Communications Manager. The discussions were centered around the crucial 60-year commitment held by SOS Children’s Villages to protect children who have faced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. In Portugal, a child grows up without necessary support every 10 minutes, subjected to forms of neglect that can perpetuate through generations. Often, such neglect is less visible than other more obvious forms of harm, and as a result, the silent trauma it inflicts can be devastating.

Understanding the Impact of Neglect

Neglect is not merely a lack of care; it is a chronic disruption of trust that carries destructive implications for mental health and individual development. Children who experience neglect frequently wrestle with emotional distress, difficulties in forming attachments, and challenges in establishing healthy relationships. Without direct intervention, the cycle of neglect continues, entangling families in a generational struggle for better circumstances.

To address this critical issue, SOS Children’s Villages Portugal implements proactive solutions by supporting families through education, mental health services, and various emergency assistance programs. These efforts serve not only to expedite systemic solutions but also to avert family breakdown and minimize the necessity for out-of-home care.

In cases where family separation becomes inevitable, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that children receive high-quality care in a culturally aligned environment. This encompasses keeping siblings together, adapting care plans to each child's specific needs, and training caregivers in trauma-informed care methodologies. Furthermore, they advocate for stronger legal protections for youth transitioning out of foster care, equipping them with essential tools for leading independent lives.

The Vantage Foundation is acutely aware that tackling the issue of child neglect necessitates collaboration across various sectors. By partnering with organizations like SOS Children’s Villages, businesses, policymakers, and communities can collectively focus on meeting the needs of at-risk children and effectively disrupt cycles of neglect within families.

Emerson Marques, in his role as Brand and Communications Manager at SOS Children’s Villages Portugal, underscores the gravity of the problem: “Child neglect is a deep, invisible crisis that wreaks havoc on countless lives. The less it is spoken about, the more dangerous it becomes. Sharing this message is essential to breaking the cycle – we need more people to be aware, to care, and to join our efforts. Only then can we ensure that no child grows up without the love, respect, and safety they deserve.”

Steven Xie, Executive Director of the Vantage Foundation, expressed inspiration by the impactful work being done by SOS Children’s Villages Portugal, stating, “Their work showcases what can be achieved when we focus on the future of children and highlight the importance of collective action. Neglect is a silent crisis – but together, we can bring it into the light and genuinely contribute to change.”

A Call to Action

By confronting the realities of child neglect, we can pave the way for a world in which every child is nurtured by love, respect, and security. This visit by the Vantage Foundation is part of their ongoing mission to empower vulnerable communities. For those seeking to learn more or contribute to the efforts of SOS Children’s Villages Portugal, further information can be found at SOS Children’s Villages.

About Vantage Foundation

Founded in 2023 within the technological hub of McLaren in the UK, Vantage Foundation operates as an independent charitable organization. It partners with like-minded entities worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach For Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to support impactful social initiatives.

For more details, please visit Vantage Foundation.