The Faith to Action Initiative is excited to announce the launch of three new resources on the continuum of care for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The continuum of care provides an overview of a range of alternative care options for children who have been separated from parental care. In keeping with research and evidence-based guidance on the importance of family in the life of a child, the continuum places a high priority on family care while also recognizing the role that temporary residential care and small group homes can play in the spectrum of options to meet individual situations and needs.
The continuum of care highlights the importance of family-strengthening to prevent separation and to help ensure successful reunification or transition into reliable alternative family care when separation has occurred. The continuum also explains the critical role of gatekeeping in order to assess the best care options on an individual basis and to reduce unnecessary placement in orphanages and explores different pathways that, with appropriate support, can bring a child back into family care.
The following resources are now available for your use:
- A Continuum of Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children: This narrative is the third publication in a three-part research series highlighting key research and global evidence supporting the importance of family care for orphans and vulnerable children. This narrative is accompanied with helpful graphics to further illustrate the different care options for children.
- Webinar 2: The Continuum of Care: This webinar takes key concepts from A Continuum of Care and Summary of Research to Help Guide Faith-Based Action and provides helpful visuals (graphics and photos) to illustrate the continuum of care.
- Podcast #2: The Continuum of Care: This podcast is the audio version of Webinar #2, for on-the-go learners.
These resources can be used by churches, organizations, higher education, groups and individuals. Please share them with your networks!
The Faith to Action Initiative serves as a resource for Christian groups, churches, and individuals seeking to respond to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. Through our website, webinars, publications, and workshops, we offer practical tools and resources and up-to-date information on key strategies and research to help guide action.
