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A total of 2,857 children are languishing in 124 unlicensed orphanages throughout the country. The regional breakdown of unlicensed orphanages are Ashanti, 17; Brong Ahafo, 17; Central, 16; Eastern, 12; Greater Accra, 24; Northern, 8; Upper East, 9; Upper West, 2; Volta, 21; and Western, 7. The country has only nine licensed orphanages holding 531 children Out of the nine licensed orphanages in the country, three � Osu Children�s Home, Kumasi Children�s Home, and Tamale Children�s Home � belong to the state. Kinder Paradise, Chance for Children, Lighthouse, Egyam, Fathers� Home and Living Home are the privately owned legally licensed orphanages. Mr Alois Mohl, the National Co-ordinator for Care Reform Initiative of the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said for the past three years the ministry has been inspecting unlicensed homes to try and discourage the institutionalisation of children. He admitted that about 90% of inmates in orphanages have at least one living parent and an extended family. Poverty, disability and social exclusion push most children into orphanages, state institutions and other so-called children�s homes. Over and over, the world�s orphanages become dumping grounds for poor children and those with disabilities. Some parents mired in poverty hope their children will have a better life in an orphanage, more food and an education. In many countries, owning and running an orphanage has become a profitable business, with foreign donations serving as �revenue.� Mr Mohl noted that while the ministry was working hard to reunite children with their families, some people for selfish reasons continue to encourage members of the public to send their children to their orphanages. He further stated that though such organisations plying as orphanages without license is illegal, consideration has to be given to the children in such homes. In explanation, he stated that since it is illegal, what is expected is that some form of sanction be meted out to them, but the ministry does some form of inspection and goes ahead to license them if they meet the necessary requirement. He continued to add that if the requirements are not met, they then close down such homes and send the children to licensed homes. According to him, the ministry is embarking on a campaign to discourage the institutionalisation of children. He further pointed out that children will develop properly if they are allowed to grow in their own environment, instead of camping them. Mr Mohl appealed to organisations interested in children�s welfare not to camp them but support in reunification efforts. It is a widespread belief that building and filling an orphanage is a compassionate way to use charity or government money. Up to 95% of children in orphanages have at least one living parent and an extended family. In many countries, the families of children with disabilities have few resources. Parents unable to afford the therapy a child requires can feel they have no choice but to give up their child.