Abstract
This study explores the relationship between orphanhood prevalence, living arrangements and orphanhood reporting. Research on children’s orphanhood status and living arrangements is well established, but not so much in the context of orphanhood data quality assessment. The study provides a historical context of the measurement of orphanhood, the assessment of data quality, and concludes that in the context of sub-Saharan Africa, where child fostering is common, parental coresidency may be more inclusive and may provide a better understanding of children’s vulnerability than the survival status of parents.