The Global Picture
When many people hear the word "orphan," they imagine a child with no living family members. The reality is often much more complex.
Around the world, many children living in residential care still have parents, relatives, and communities who care deeply about them. Understanding this reality is an important first step toward understanding child welfare and family-based care.
When Care Becomes Necessary
Many families face significant challenges—often related to poverty, access to resources, or unexpected life circumstances—that make it difficult to meet all of their children’s needs.
In these situations, some families make the difficult decision to place their children in residential care, hoping they will receive support, stability, and opportunities they may not be able to provide at home.
Strengthening Families
Most families want the same thing for their children: safety, stability, opportunity, and a chance to thrive.
Many of the challenges that lead children into residential care are not caused by a lack of love. They are often connected to poverty, illness, disability, limited access to services, or unexpected life circumstances.
When families receive the support, resources, and community connections they need, many children can remain safely with the people who know and love them best. Strengthening families is one of the most effective ways to promote long-term well-being for children and communities.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Understanding these realities is an important first step—but meaningful change happens when we begin to take action together. Whether you are caring for children, supporting families, or simply wanting to learn more, there are practical ways to be part of strengthening care for children.
As we continue, we'll take a closer look at two important parts of this conversation: residential care and family-based care. Understanding both helps us better support children, strengthen families, and work toward solutions that create lasting stability and belonging.
We invite you to continue exploring these approaches and the role each can play in helping children thrive.
With gratitude: Some graphics featured on this page are adapted or shared with permission from Faith to Action Initiative, whose work has contributed meaningfully to conversations around children and family care.