Family-Based Solutions
Helping residential programs move toward family care for children
Children need families.
Scripture and science are clear: children need families to thrive.
Yet millions of children around the world are separated from family care, often living in residential care centers such as orphanages and children’s homes. Without those service providers, there would be a void of services, leaving these children even more vulnerable. Yet, we know even the best residential care center cannot provide the kind of care that children need.
Residential care providers are partners on the journey to moving children to family care.
Around the world, we are seeing a global movement of programs transitioning their services from residential to family-based solutions. Thousands of children have been moved from residential to family care. As a result, thousands more individuals, communities, and churches have been impacted as programs engage with entire families rather than individual children.
Transitioning to family care is possible.
You want to support children being in families, but simply considering the idea of transitioning the care you offer can be overwhelming.
You are faced with the reality of simultaneously expanding the care you provide to include new models while continuing to run your existing program. Where do we start? How do we develop a plan? What needs to be in the plan? How much will this all cost? How do we engage government leaders in the process? It can feel like an enormous undertaking.
Let us help. We’ve developed targeted resources to help you reach your goal of caring for children in families.
Learn
Access evidence-based solutions and actionable practices as you join others moving toward family solutions.
Lead
Receive world-class training to walk alongside others on the journey toward family care.
Envision a family-based future
Imagine a family-based future for your program. Moving toward family solutions begins with being aware of what is possible. Learn from those who have gone before you by engaging with these resources:
Why Family Solutions?
This brief guide explores why children do best in families, why residential care is only a partial solution, and what it might look like for vulnerable children to be cared for in families.
Replicable Models of Transition to Family-Based Care
You’re not alone on this journey. Yours is one of many programs to consider the move toward family-based solutions. Learn from the victories and mistakes other programs have encountered in the transition to family care.
Shifting Resources
Designed by a cohort of residential organizations transitioning to family care, this brief guide outlines some of the changes to expect when transitioning your program.
Prepare for transition
Lay the foundation for a successful transition to family care.
Transition Readiness Assessment
Evaluate your program’s readiness to transition and receive a custom feedback report with suggestions for your next steps. This is available in English and Spanish.
Core Elements Courses
Prepare for the transition toward family solutions by building a strong foundation of delivering care for vulnerable children. The Core Elements of Success program offers on-demand courses to strengthen your program across key areas impacting the quality of care.
Fundraising
Funding is critical to any ministry. Learn how to bring your donors along on the journey to family care - even before you begin.
Learn and connect
Gain evidence-based solutions and actionable practices as you join others moving toward family solutions.
Transition to Family Care Simulation Experience
Join a live event walking through the transition process, or learn how to host one in your own region.
Moving Towards Family Solutions Course: Preparing for Program Transition
This 8-week hybrid course will introduce key concepts and actionable steps toward family care while bringing you into a community of other leaders on the same journey.
CAFO's Care Reform Peer Learning Community
Those who complete the Transition to Family Care Simulation Experience, the Moving Toward Family Solutions course, and others involved in care transition are invited to join this community of learners moving toward family care. You'll receive ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement as you continue the journey toward family for every child.
Lead others
Receive training from global experts to equip you to walk alongside others on the journey toward family care.
Care Transition Accelerator Academy
For experienced leaders who want to be part of seeing children in families, this two-year certificate program is the premiere training opportunity to prepare you to support residential programs on the journey to family care.
More Resources
What does "transitioning to family care" mean?
Why Children Need Families
