This article highlights key lessons from Ethiopia’s decades of experience in alternative care, emphasizing that strengthening families and preventing unnecessary separation should be at the center of child protection efforts. It underscores the limitations of institutional care and the country’s shift toward family-based solutions—supported by new policies such as the Alternative Childcare Directive and a draft Children’s Rights law—while calling for stronger data systems, workforce investment, and community-based approaches to ensure children without parental care are visible, supported, and able to grow up in safe, nurturing family environments.