THE CARE EFFECT

We believe that no child should grow up alone and that every child should live in a caring family, with the opportunity simply to be a child. 

When children grow up ‘alone’, without the love and support of a caregiver, they face a greater risk of discrimination, neglect, abuse and abandonment. They are more likely to be deprived of opportunities to learn, mature and develop life skills, and so they find it more difficult to become contributing members of society. If they have their own children, they may be unable to adequately support their children’s development and so the harmful effects may be passed on to the next generation. Wider society also suffers, as a greater strain is placed on welfare and health systems.

The key is quality care. Growing up in a stable and secure family with the support of a caregiver enables children to fulfill their potential. They develop basic life skills such as communication, cooperation, problem-solving and setting personal goals. They also build self-confidence, determination and resilience. Their caregivers ensure they attend school and take advantage of healthcare services. Children are also better able to develop social networks, which can be a source of support in everyday life. Ultimately, they have healthy relationships, find decent jobs and transform their communities for the better.

The investment in care has a multiplying effect, as – generation after generation – children receive enriching care, flourish, and realise their potential. It all starts with ensuring that children have quality care from cradle to career. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the smart thing to do. Care for children makes the world a better place. That is the Care Effect. 

OUR 4 CARE PRINCIPLES

We have a wealth of experience in caring for children, especially children facing difficult family situations. We succeed in doing this because we follow strong principles; these are at the heart of our work for children and young people. Our original four principles – the mother, brothers and sisters, the house and the village – have guided us in our work with SOS families. Our updated care principles are based on this rich experience and have evolved to guide us into the future.

OUR CARE SOLUTIONS

Based on our care principles, our SOS Children’s Villages actively promote and support quality care in the following ways.

 

We offer alternative care

If the family of origin is not the best place for a child to grow up, we offer alternative care. Our core solution is SOS family care for children who require longer term care. We constantly keep improving our work with SOS families and use our experience and competence to explore other relevant care solutions, together with partners. If it is in the best interests of a child to return to the family of origin, we actively support this. We deliver all options at consistently high quality and adapt them to the local context. 

 

We strengthen families

In many cases, the family of origin is still able to offer a loving home to their children, despite challenging circumstances. We support vulnerable families to overcome these challenges and prevent them from breaking down. We do this by strengthening their ability to care for their children, through working directly with families or empowering communities to do so.This also includes kinship care to support children to live with their extended family. In humanitarian emergency situations too, we focus on prevention of family separation and family reunification.

 

We advocate for quality care

Beyond the children we reach directly through alternative care and family strengthening, we advocate for quality care on local, national and international level. Working with governments, communities and other relevant stakeholders, we promote the delivery of quality care and call for improvements in policy and practice.

 

OUR CARE SPIRIT

When implementing our care solutions, we always work in the spirit of our four values.