As a global community of evangelical churches and ministries, the World Evangelical Alliance affirms its unwavering commitment to care for vulnerable children in ways that reflect the heart of God and uphold the dignity, value, and rights of every child. We believe that the global Church must urgently shift from institutional child care toward family-based solutions.
Children are the future of our churches, communities and countries. How we care for them today will profoundly shape the well-being of our societies and the witness of the global Church in the years to come.
We recognize that, for generations, many well-meaning efforts to care for orphans and vulnerable children have relied heavily on institutional care. These institutions have often provided essential short-term support during times of crisis. However, mounting global evidence—as well as clear biblical principles—reveals that institutional settings are not an adequate long-term solution for children. Research consistently shows that children raised in institutions are at higher risk of developmental delays, poor mental health outcomes, weakened social and emotional skills, and exposure to trauma, abuse and neglect.
God created families as the natural and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. Families offer love, guidance, security, and a sense of belonging that institutions, by their very nature, cannot replicate. Children need consistent caregivers who know them by name, who walk with them through life’s joys and challenges, and who reflect the love of our heavenly Father. This is why we believe that family-based care—such as family reunification, kinship care, foster care, and adoption—is the most appropriate and life-giving option for children whenever possible. This approach will greatly foster a sense of belonging and identity in Christ which is essential for their well-being to attain their God given potential and success in life.
It is deeply concerning that the majority of children in orphanages today are not actually orphans. Many have living parents or extended family members who placed them in institutional care solely due to poverty or temporary hardship, not because of death or abuse. With proper support—whether financial assistance, parenting help, or community-based services—these families could be strengthened to care for their children at home. It is unjust that economic hardship should separate a child from their family, especially when solutions exist that can help families stay together. When a biological family is unsafe, foster or adoptive families can provide a safe, loving family environment within the community context.
Investing in family preservation and community-based care is not only a more compassionate approach—it is also a more sustainable and responsible one. Moreover, institutional care is not only less effective but also far more expensive than supporting children in family settings. Churches, ministries, and donors have a vital role to play in shifting resources toward solutions that prioritize the family as the foundation of care.
We also recognize that in certain situations—such as needs for respite, rehabilitation, and emergency purposes—temporary residential care may be needed. In such cases, it should be short-term and small-scale, with a clear goal of reunification with family or placement in a permanent, loving home. No child should remain in institutional care indefinitely. Instead, we must work toward long-term, nurturing family environments where children can truly flourish.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s heart for the orphan (James 1:27), to act justly and defend the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17), and to embody God’s love in practical and transformative ways. We believe the Church has a unique and critical role to play in transforming how society cares for children.
We therefore encourage churches around the world to become active agents of change, supporting families in crisis, engaging in foster care and adoption, mentoring vulnerable youth, and partnering with local and national child protection systems. Congregations can identify the needs within their own communities, evaluate existing programs, and advocate for policies that prioritize family-based care. Every step taken to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation contributes to a culture where every child can belong.
The shift from institutional care to family-based care is not without its challenges. It requires intentional investment, collaboration, training, and long-term commitment. But we are confident that, with solid biblical teaching on the matter, prayer, God’s guidance and the united efforts of churches, ministries, governments, and communities, we can build a future where every child grows up in a safe and loving family.
Together, let us reimagine care for children—not through the lens of institutions, but through the life-giving promise of safe and loving families.
Contributors: WEA Children’s Network, WEA Family Challenge, WEA Theological Commission, Regional Evangelical Alliances, World Without Orphans, Faith to Action Initiative, Global Children’s Forum, Lausanne Children & Family Network, Lausanne Children-at-Risk Network, VIVA Network
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