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.

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.

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.

In January 2025, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom launched a bold an

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.

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.

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.

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.

يُمثّل الميثاق العالميّ لإصلاح رعاية الأطفال دعوة لقادة العالم للعمل معاً من أجل: الالتزام باتفاقيّة الأمم المتحدة لحقوق الطفل واتفاقية الأمم المتحدة لحقوق الأشخاص ذوي الإعاقة; الاستثمار في الأسر والأطفال ومغادري الرعاية وفي الخدمات الدامجة;القضاء على العنف ضدّ الأطفال وعلى الممارسات الضارّة، مثل سياحة دور الأيتام.

In January 2025, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom launched a bold and visionary initiative: to transform the lives of children globally so that all children are cared for in families and free of violence, exploitation and other harmful practices.

Through this new campaign governments, civil society, faith groups, and individuals with lived experience of care systems are calling on world leaders to join forces in a global movement that harnesses decades of international progress to ensure all children are growing up in a safe, nurturing and loving family environment. This overview calls on government leaders to join this movement.