J.K. Rowling established the charity Lumos in 2005 to help disadvantaged children.
The organization was originally founded as the Children’s High Level Group, following Rowling’s concern about children living in institutions. It later adopted the name Lumos, taken from the Harry Potter books’ wand-lighting spell. The charity works internationally to promote family-based care and end the institutionalization of children.
Lumos argues that children generally develop better in safe family or community settings than in large residential institutions. Its work has included advocacy, research, and support for reform in countries where children may be separated from families because of poverty, disability, or inadequate social services.
The charity’s name is a literary reference, but its work is separate from the Harry Potter entertainment franchise. Rowling has used her public profile and philanthropic giving to support the organization’s campaigns on children’s rights and alternative care.