LISBON, Portugal, April 15, 2025 — One of the most widespread, yet frequently ignored, threats to a child’s well-being is neglect. Unlike abandonment, neglect often goes undetected, leaving children stuck in cycles of ongoing emotional damage, damaged trust, and lasting developmental difficulties.

During a recent visit to SOS Children’s Villages Portugal in Lisbon, Vantage Foundation representatives met with Corporate Fundraising Coordinator Teresa Conceição and Brand and Communication Lead Emerson Marques to discuss the organization’s 60-year dedication to protecting children who have experienced neglect, abandonment, or abuse.

In Portugal, every ten minutes, a child grows up without the necessary support for healthy development, with many experiencing neglect that can last for generations. Due to its subtle nature compared to other forms of harm, neglect often avoids intervention, causing children to suffer silent, enduring trauma. SOS Children’s Villages Portugal aims to break this cycle through prevention, protection, and advocacy, ensuring no child is overlooked.

Neglect goes beyond a mere lack of care; it represents a continuous breakdown of trust, leading to significant consequences for mental health and development. Children who are neglected often struggle with emotional problems, attachment disorders, and difficulties in establishing healthy relationships. Without intervention, this cycle of neglect persists, trapping families in a multi-generational struggle.

SOS Children’s Villages Portugal addresses neglect at its source by strengthening families through educational initiatives, mental health services, and emergency support. By tackling systemic issues early on, they contribute to preventing family breakdowns and minimizing the need for children to be placed in out-of-home care.

When family separation becomes unavoidable, the organization ensures that children are provided with excellent care in a supportive setting. This includes keeping siblings together, customizing care to meet individual needs, and offering caregivers specialized training in trauma-informed practices. They also advocate for stronger legal protections for young individuals transitioning out of care, ensuring they have the necessary resources to lead independent lives.

Vantage Foundation acknowledges that ending neglect demands cooperation. By collaborating with organizations like SOS Children’s Villages, businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can amplify the voices of children in vulnerable situations and help to break the cycle of neglect within families.

“Child neglect is a profound, invisible, and devastating problem,” emphasizes Emerson Marques, Brand and Communication Lead at SOS Children’s Villages Portugal. “The quieter it is, the more dangerous it becomes. Sharing this message is crucial to breaking the cycle; we need more people to be aware, to care, and to participate in this cause. Only then can we ensure that every child grows up with the love, respect, and safety they deserve.”

“The work being done by SOS Children’s Villages Portugal is truly inspiring,” said Steven, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation. “It is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we make children’s futures a priority and reinforce the significance of collective action. Neglect is a silent crisis, but by working together, we can bring it into the light and create meaningful change.”

By directly addressing neglect, we can create a world where every child experiences love, respect, and safety throughout their development.

This initiative is part of Vantage Foundation’s continuous commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. To find out more about SOS Children’s Villages Portugal, please visit .

About Vantage Foundation

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

For more information, please visit

SOURCE Vantage Foundation

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