Alarmingly high numbers of Ugandan children experience or are at risk of experiencing abuse and neglect. This article analyzes the state of priority for and quality of governance of Uganda’s formal system for the care of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).

This news article, from the Guardian Tanzania, notes how the government of Tanzania has initiated a nationwide programme to support children living and working on the streets, marking a significant step towards protecting vulnerable groups and fostering inclusive development.

This study examines the challenges African governments face in integrating orphaned and vulnerable children into orphanages and home-based care facilities, with a focus on Zambia. Findings reveal major barriers including insufficient funding, unregistered orphanages, poor coordination with NGOs, cultural factors, and the attitudes of the children themselves.

In this article, UNICEF discusses how UNICEF and the Government of Mozambique are advancing reforms to reduce the number of children placed in institutions—from 7,269 in 2020 to 3,624 in 2024—by prioritizing family-based care.

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.

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.

Given the severe impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and chronic poverty, the care of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) is a significant national issue in Zambia. This article examines the evolution of governance and policy for the care of OVC and identifies the factors that have shaped Zambia’s priority for and capacity to address this issue.

Interviews with care leavers and instructors in Zimbabwe found that institutional life skills programs strengthen resilience, self-reliance, and adaptability, helping youth navigate challenges after leaving care. However, outdated curricula, limited follow-up support, and restricted financial access constrain agency and economic participation, highlighting the need for more relevant training and structured transitional support.

This study examined how disability status affects the well-being of children in Kenya who were reunified with families after living in residential care. It found that children with disabilities reported lower well-being and life satisfaction compared to their peers without disabilities, highlighting the need for targeted support during reunification.

In this video, practitioners, faith leaders, and a Kafaalah caregiver share experiences in promoting and strengthening Kafaalah as an important part of family-based alternative care in Kenya.