Lumos is the charity founded by J.K. Rowling that focuses on ending the institutionalization of children.
Rowling established the organization in 2005 as the Children’s High Level Group after becoming concerned about children living in institutions. It was renamed Lumos in 2010. The organization advocates family-based care and community support instead of large residential institutions, particularly for children separated from their families.
The name Lumos comes from the Latin word for light and also echoes a magical spell in the Harry Potter books. Despite that connection, Lumos is a real international charity working on child protection and care reform. Its mission is sometimes confused with Rowling’s other charitable activities, but Lumos is the organization specifically associated with deinstitutionalization.