Child Care and Protection System Reforms

Social welfare sector reform is increasingly common, particularly in transitional countries in Central and Eastern Europe.  Increasing attention has been paid to the development of preventive community based child and family welfare programs that would, in coordination with health and education programs and social assistance, provide a range of support for vulnerable families.   

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Jeremy Shiffman, Innocent Kamya, Adam D. Koon, et al.,

This article examines how national care systems for orphans and vulnerable children in Cambodia, Uganda, and Zambia are governed, drawing on case studies and a review of existing research. It highlights the gap between strong policy commitments and weak on-the-ground implementation, pointing to historical, political, and capacity-related factors that hinder effective care and protection.

Better Care Network, Child Identity Protection (CHIP), Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies & UNICEF,

This webinar, held December 16, 2025, spotlighted the powerful intersection between two consequential global advocacy movements in human rights: the reform of alternative care systems for children and the advancement of children’s access t

Paul Vinod Khiatani, Wing Hong Chui, Dagim Dawit Gonsamo, et al.,

This review compares child protection systems in Indonesia and Ethiopia using UNICEF’s Child Protection System Strengthening framework. Both countries have established solid legal frameworks and coordination mechanisms, but progress toward system maturity remains slow due to gaps in enforcement, accountability, and support services, with Indonesia showing stronger development in workforce and data systems.

Better Care Network, ACE Zambia,

ACE Zambia, founded in 1998 as a faith-based organization supporting orphans and vulnerable children, gradually shifted from operating multiple residential care facilities toward strengthening family- and community-based services after recognizing the harms of long-term institutionalization. Between 2014 and 2025, the organization closed all residential homes, expanded preventative and family-focused programs, and ultimately increased its reach by supporting far more children in safe family settings using the same level of resources.

Joanna Wakia, Alexandra Safronova, Kelley Bunkers, Sully Santos and Beth Bradford ,

Cambiar la Forma en que Cuidamos (CTWWC, por sus siglas en inglés) es una iniciativa global que promueve un cuidado familiar seguro y afectuoso para los niños.

Beth Bradford, Parascovia Munteanu, Kelley Bunkers ,

The Moldova Transformation Guidance aims to support the transformation process of residential care facilities (RCF) to models that promote family support and community-based services, or to safely close them and redirect their resources. National and local authorities can use this guidance to design, plan, budget, communicate, and coordinate transformation at both individual and system levels.

Beth Bradford, Parascovia Munteanu, Kelley Bunkers,
Eurochild,

This report examines how rising child poverty, social exclusion, and anti-rights movements across Europe threaten children’s rights, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action and strong civil society engagement. Focusing on vulnerable children, it reviews progress on the European Child Guarantee and broader rights issues—from mental health and protection systems to digital rights, housing, and social investment.

Centre for Relational Care,

On November 12, the Transforming Children's Care Collaborative hosted a webinar to explore insights from two Australian initiatives

A Family for Every Orphan,

On Monday, November 3rd, A Family for Every Orphan hosted an interactive consultation and introductory launch of the Family-First Framework — a practical and