This report, prepared for UNICEF East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) assesses the capacity in Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia to manage alternative care systems for children.

Analysis of the impact of institutionalization on young children with core recommendation for policy and practice to ensure children's right to family is upheld.

Mapping of existing facilities caring for children in residential capacity for use in developing child protection standards

Examines the capacity of childcare institutions and the monitoring and reintegration meausures necessary to ensure child safety in such.

In this meta-analysis of 75 studies on more than 3,888 children in 19 different countries, the intellectual development of children living in children's homes (orphanages) was compared with that of children living with their (foster) families.

Assesses the causes and realities of children living in institutions in Guatemala with recommendations for systemic reform.

Explores causal relationship between increased international adoption and increase in institutional care of children in Europe.

Update on all recent seminars and activities relevant to child welfare reform and deinstitutionalization in Russia

Provides insight into the situation of children outside parental care in South Asia, gaps in legislation, capacity, and services, with reference to national and international legal instruments.

The study reported by Shihning Chou and Kevin Browne explored the link between institutional care for young children and international adoption, using a survey of 33 European countries. The evidence suggests that, rather than reduce the number of children in institutions, international adoption may contribute to the continuation of this harmful practice. A child rights-based approach to providing alternative care for children separated from their parents is proposed.