The lack of accessible information is a barrier to further exploration and understanding of out-of-home care in Asia. Definitions of alternative care are unclear and in many contexts non-existent.
In light of these issues, research was undertaken to provide an overview of the social welfare landscape of 10 identified Asian countries (Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). It covered the spectrum of care provisions including; family preservation, reunification, guardianship, kinship care, foster care, domestic and inter-country adoption and residential/ institutional care.
This report marks a critical step in compiling comparable data and information about children in out-of-home care in the region, defining our understanding of the continuum of care options available and metaphors to identify the gaps, challenges, strengths and opportunities within the child care systems in the respective countries.
