Orphans into loving foster families in China

We are excited to share with you the significant milestones achieved as we approach the concluding phase of our project, "Orphans into loving foster families in China". As we reflect on our journey since the project’s inception in 1998, we are proud of the transformative impact we have made in the lives of vulnerable children.

Since our project's inception, we have witnessed remarkable success in transitioning China's childcare system from institutional care to a family-based model. The collaborative efforts of Care for Children and the Chinese government have paved the way for systemic change in childcare practices that have seen an estimated 1 million+ children growing up in families instead of institutional care.

Through consultation, training, and advocacy, we have empowered the Chinese government to champion family care initiatives. The enactment of "National Regulations for Family Care" in 2014 signified a permanent shift towards prioritizing family placements for children in need. This legislative support underscores the sustainability and long-term impact of our project.

Our emphasis on family care has not only improved outcomes for children but also led to a significant redistribution of funds. With over 50% of governmental funding for children in care now allocated to family allowances and support, the family-based care model now has the sustainable funding to continue indefinitely.

The extensive training provided by Care for Children has equipped over 5,000 government officials, institution directors, social workers, and families with the knowledge and skills to support family care initiatives. Our training-of-trainers approach ensures the scalability and sustainability of our impact beyond the project's conclusion. This means that even though the project is now concluding, our training is still being utilised and disseminated across the country by government staff.

Building on our success in China, we have received invitations from several Asian countries to introduce family care as an alternative to institutional care. This expansion speaks to the replicability and scalability of our model, offering hope to vulnerable children across the region. We now have active project sites in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, furthering our vision of a world of children in families.

As we enter the concluding phase of our project, we express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. Together, we have transformed the lives of countless children, providing them with the love, stability, and security of a family environment.

While this project may be concluding, our dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children remains steadfast. We look forward to celebrating our achievements together and embarking on new endeavours to create a brighter future for all children.