[4] The National Incorporated Association for the Reclamation of Destitute Waif Children otherwise known as Dr. Barnardo's Homes was founded by Irish born doctor Thomas Barnardo, who opened a school in the East End of London to care for and educate children of the area left orphaned and destitute by a recent cholera outbreak.

[14][15] In 2008 its Break the cycle TV advert featuring a girl being repeatedly hit around the head by her father prompted a number of complaints but was cleared by the ASA, which said the imagery was justified, given the context.

This statement caused considerable controversy, especially as historical references were made by journalists to Barnardo's original practice of "philanthropic abduction".

[20] In 2011, Barnardo's was criticised for its work in Cedars, the name chosen by UK Immigration Enforcement for what it describes as "pre-departure accommodation" (detention facility) near Gatwick Airport used to hold families with children pending deportation.

Barnardo's provides "welfare and social care facilities" at the detention centre, which is managed on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration by private security company G4S.

[22] Anarchist extremists opposed to the detention of children, such as members of the No Border network, have mounted a campaign against the charity's involvement in Cedars.

[26] In response to criticism, Anne Marie Carrie, then Chief Executive of Barnardo's, stated that the decision to provide welfare and social care services at Cedars is in the children's best interests,[27] outlining Barnardo's "red lines" and the action it will take if the welfare and dignity of any asylum seeking families and children is at risk.

[34] In 2020 the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry issued a report which included Barnardo's homes at Tyneholm, Balcary, Glasclune and Craigerne in Scotland.

[38]: 15:11  McCourt praised the government ministers' apologies; they had "sat and thought out and listened to what it was we said", but said that the institutions had failed to do this, leading to some victims having to leave the room while they were speaking, "compound[ing] the hurt.

"[38]: 15:22 Others angry at the institutions' apologies included Caroline Farry, who attended St Joseph's Training School in Middletown from 1978 to 1981, overseen by nuns from the Sisters of St Louis,[38]: 15:04  Pádraigín Drinan from Survivors of Abuse,[38]: 14:55  and Alice Harper, whose brother, a victim of the De La Salle Brothers, had since died.

[38]: 14:55  Peter Murdock, from campaign group Savia, was at Nazareth Lodge Orphanage with his brother (who had recently died); he likened the institution to an "SS camp".

[41] Barnardo's employs approximately 450 staff in Barkingside in Ilford, eastern Greater London, including secondments and visitors.

[46] Spinoff charities Barnados Australia and Barnardos New Zealand were set up in the 20th century (now spelt without an apostrophe, following local practice) with the same mission.

Barnados Australia uses similar slogan to the UK organisation, "We believe in children," while Barnardos New Zealand uses "Do more for Kiwi kids.