We believe that as the home for orphanhood and orphans in Israel we must advance and advocate for legislation and policy change regarding orphans. We cannot allow ourselves to accept the lack of responses which puts thousands of orphans in danger every day.

Owing to the complex governmental situation, Sunflowers does not have a way to advance legislation at this time. However, we are doing everything we can so that we will be able to advance relevant legislation and policy change as soon as it will be possible.

Legislation we will advance

Change of information gathering policy:
At this time the State of Israel does not have accurate information about the number of orphans and the causes of their orphanhood. As a result, many orphans are not listed as orphans, such that many times new frameworks lack this information, and consequently orphans do not receive the suitable responses they need.

Issue a Ministry of Education Director General Circular:
At the present time the Ministry of Education does not have an official Director General Circular with guidelines pertaining to specific actions and activities regarding orphans, neither during the funeral and the shiva mourning period nor afterwards. Consequently, many orphans depend on the attitude and approach of their teachers, which at times is helpful, but unfortunately usually leaves the orphan with little or no needed responses. We also believe that we must help and support teachers in dealing with these circumstances, in addition to a Director General Circular. Read more about this in the section on Awareness Raising and Information.

Legislation regarding young orphans:
We believe that the State must provide support to each and every orphaned child and/or youth. We think the State should fund therapy (for a period of only two years).

Legislation for adults orphaned from both parents:
Legislation that will require the State to grant rights to individuals under 25 years of age who are orphaned from both parents. These rights will include: funding undergraduate studies, assistance with rent payments, etc.