What we do

Shaping a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family

We work around the world, transforming care and protection systems for children so that a safe and loving family is a reality for every child.

We address the root causes of family separation and support the transition of children out of harmful institutions, so they can thrive within the security of family, supported by community.

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The problem

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Children are at risk of severe harm in institutions

Broken systems, poorly designed policies, and inadequate funding structures mean hundreds of thousands of children around the world are being separated from their families and growing up in harmful institutions.

Once in an institution, studies show children are exposed to a higher risk of abuse, violence and neglect, and their physical and cognitive development may be harmed. This is especially true for children with disabilities. Care leavers face higher risks of suicide, exploitation and involvement in criminal activity.

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5.4 million

An estimated 5.4 million children are living in institutions worldwide.

80%

of children in institutions have at least one living parent.

Over 300 studies

A 2020 study in The Lancet highlighted the impact of institutionalisation on children’s development, with evidence from over 300 studies across more than 60 countries.

Our resources

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The opportunity

Institutions can be eradicated within a generation

For more than 20 years, we have shown that systems can change.

Institutions can be closed, governments can redesign care systems, family separation can be prevented before it happens, and children can grow up in families where they belong. 

Today, the question is no longer whether change is possible. It is how quickly and at what scale we can make it happen together.

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The solution

Building family-based care systems globally

We partner with governments, organisations, and local front-line professionals to shape systems and deliver services so more children can grow up in a family.

We combine decades of experience and expertise in the economics of care reform with hands-on capability building, to create the sustainable, systemic transformation at-risk children need.

Our framework

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