Around the world, local followers of Christ see the needs of vulnerable children and families each day and long to respond. They do respond.

Many have stepped up to serve and care for these children in remarkably self-giving ways. Yet often, they have labored in isolation, lacking both community and guidance. It’s amazing to see what a difference small things make for these faithful servants and the children they serve.

The CAFO Global Network builds these local champions, helping their network through:

Curated information. Lack of information was once a major problem for leaders. Today, the problem is often the opposite. In a world flooded with data and noise, what learners desperately desire are trustworthy sources that help identify and filter the most valuable information and then share it in highly accessible, actionable forms.

Facilitated community. Good information becomes far more powerful in our lives when we’re able to absorb and apply it alongside others. CAFO seeks to weave into every learning experience opportunities to interact and process with both experts and peers. From simple Q&A sessions and strategic planning workshops to mutual-learning cohorts, this enables learners to receive (and to share!) a much wider range of insights, skills and ideas. Meanwhile, ongoing relationships also provide accountability, encouragement, and cross-pollination of learning as ideas are applied, tested and refined.

While every network is unique, each serves as the hub of a vibrant local movement, connecting churches as well as NGOs, government agencies and other allies. Networks work especially to equip congregations to provide emotional, spiritual and practical support to adoptive, foster and biological families. They often lead awareness and advocacy campaigns, offer foster and adoptive family recruitment and training, guide churches in development of post-adoption/foster care support for families, and more.

As part of the CAFO Global Network, each network is encouraged not only to receive, but also to share with other networks. As a result, leaders both access and share excellent resources, training and connections around the world.

Guided by participating local leaders, the CAFO Global Network identifies critical needs, coordinates new resource development and delivery, and provides targeted support to help each network achieve its own unique vision and goals.