This article, by Markus Köker, examines the theological, historical, and practical dimensions of Christian involvement in orphanages, particularly focusing on institutions in the Global South and the support they receive from the Global North. Köker traces how good intentions, religious motivations, and volunteer tourism have sustained orphanage systems that often harm children’s development and perpetuate family separation.

Street-connected children in Ghana face systemic marginalization, requiring comprehensive interventions at the family, community, and policy levels. Based on insights from 12 social workers, this study highlights micro-, mezzo-, and macro-level strategies to reduce the number of street-connected children and support their reintegration into society.

Italy and Türkiye, both key transit countries for unaccompanied children, have legal frameworks to support them, yet gaps between policy and practice hinder access to services and a smooth transition to adulthood. This study, based on qualitative fieldwork and 23 interviews conducted in both countries, examines reception systems, accommodation services, and the challenges unaccompanied children face during this critical life stage.

This study assessed the mental health of children in 12 Nigerian residential institutions and found that many had abnormal scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, with risks linked to orphan status, type of institution, and length of stay. The findings highlight the urgent need for routine mental health assessments and better care for children in residential settings.

This book unveils unique research on the transformative power of listening to children, exploring how they navigate family life and relationships. It offers fresh insights for theories, policies and practices in support of children’s welfare.

This study explored the experiences of 11 young mothers in Western Australia with out-of-home care (OHC) backgrounds, highlighting that leaving care planning and post-care support often failed to meet their needs, particularly around parenting. Participants felt underprepared and under-supported, but expressed determination to break cycles of OHC, pointing to the need for improved services and future research.

The Voice of the Child toolkit is an evidence-based resource designed for researchers, service providers, clinicians, and others keen to involve children and young people in their work – whether they are just starting out or looking to expand their skills. Drawing on research, consultations, and best practice, this toolkit offers practical guidance for planning, designing, and implementing a process of involvement – whatever your context. 

Este estudio de caso sobre cómo regular el volunturismo que involucra a niñas, niños y adolescentes se basa en el análisis de modelos viables resultantes de las experiencias de los países de origen y destino seleccionados que emprendieron iniciativas para abordar esta cuestión en los últimos años.

This case study on how to regulate voluntourism that involves children is based on the analysis of actionable models resulting from the experiences of the selected origin and destination countries that undertook efforts to address this issue over the last years.