January 19, 2016 -- Washington, DC 

The 2015 CNN Heroes Award gala was recently held in New York City and broadcast around the globe. Hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and featuring guest appearances by a myriad of Hollywood stars and celebrities, the event honors ten "heroes" - "everyday people changing the world." As in several previous years, CNN continues to reward ill-advised but well-meaning, caring people who build and staff orphanages in developing countries. By doing so, CNN is perpetuating an outmoded belief that orphanages are a safe refuge for children.

DRI President Laurie Ahern is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post. Read her latest piece on CNN's continued support for orphanages here.