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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Emmanuel Nabieu,

In The Empowerment Shift, Emmanuel "Nabs" Nabieu—who once grew up in an orphanage himself—offers a clear, practical roadmap for transforming how we care for vulnerable children.

Cambodia Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation; UNICEF,

This report provides an in-depth analysis of trends and progress in reducing the number of residential care facilities in Cambodia and the children placed in them between 2015–2024.

African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child,

The ACERWC General Comment No. 10 provides authoritative guidance on implementing Article 25 of the African Charter, clarifying States’ obligations to protect and support children without parental care through prevention, family strengthening, quality alternative care, and comprehensive care-system reform.

Changing the Way We Care,

Este documento es un estudio de caso basado en la historia de transformación del Hogar Esquipulas, liderada por la Asociación de Religiosas Franciscanas de San Antonio en Esquipulas, Chiquimula, Guatemala, representa un testimonio inspirador del compromiso profundo con el bienestar de los niños, niñas y adolescentes.

Comité Africain d’Experts sur les Droits et le Bien-être de l’Enfant,

L’Observation générale n°10 de l’ACERWC fournit des orientations faisant autorité sur la mise en œuvre de l’article 25 de la Charte africaine, en clarifiant les obligations des États de protéger et de soutenir les enfants privés de soins parentaux grâce à la prévention, au renforcement des familles, à des solutions de prise en charge alternatives de qualité et à une réforme globale des systèmes de prise en charge. Elle appelle à une transition de la prise en charge institutionnelle vers des approches familiales et communautaires, à de meilleures données et à un renforcement de la supervision, ainsi qu’à une action coordonnée des gouvernements et de leurs partenaires afin de garantir que chaque enfant grandisse dans un environnement sûr et bienveillant.

U.K. Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Global Campaign on Children's Care Reform Working Group,
Jeremy Shiffman, Seiha Min,

This article traces the evolution of Cambodia’s system for caring for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), shaped by political stabilization, emerging child protection concerns, international advocacy, and gradual state engagement. While Cambodia now has a solid policy framework, weak government prioritization, poor interagency coordination, and limited local capacity hinder implementation, leaving proponents to push for broader political commitment, balanced international support, and stronger responses to root causes such as poverty and migration.

Brenda Schuster with support from Kate Greenaway, Leia Isanhart, Marie Blum and Teresiah Kamau,

This case study showcases Kar Geno’s transition from institutional care to community-based support for children with disabilities in Siaya County, Kenya, guided by CTWWC and Catholic Relief Services. Through family reintegration, disability-inclusive services, and strong collaboration with government and civil society, Kar Geno has become a model for sustainable care reform, reintegrating nearly all resident children while continuing to provide accessible medical and psychosocial support through a community drop-in center.

Children and Youth Services Review,

This special issue of the Children and Youth Services Review concerns the governance of children's care systems in low and middle-income countries, with a focus on Cambodia, Uganda and Zambia. The special issue focuses on the political and bureaucratic factors that shape priority for and the effectiveness of national children's care systems in low and middle-income countries.

Kelley Bunkers and Sian Long, Maestral International, in collaboration with Eileen Ihrig and Lauren Oleykowski, CRS Senior Technical Advisors,

The Safe and Responsible Exit Guidance developed by Catholic Relief Services provides a structured framework for organizations transitioning away from financial and technical support of residential care facilities. This guidance emphasizes ethical divestment that prioritizes child safety and supports ongoing care reform.