J.K. Rowling established Lumos in 2005 to support children’s rights and end the institutionalization of children.
The organization was originally called the Children’s High Level Group. Rowling became involved after reading about children living in institutions in Eastern Europe, an experience that motivated her to help change systems separating children from families and communities.
The charity was renamed Lumos in 2010. Its work has focused on replacing institutions with family- and community-based care, supporting children and families, and promoting reforms in health, education, and social services.
Lumos is named after the light-producing charm in the Harry Potter books, but it is a real-world organization rather than a fictional institution. It is also distinct from Rowling’s separate charitable giving and from the Volant Charitable Trust, which she established for social causes.