Advance Systems Change
Children often remain stuck in orphanages due to legal barriers and process delays. Without an advocate, too many children spend their entire childhood languishing in broken systems.
We work with governments, child protection experts, and faith-based advocates to reform child protection systems from the inside out, ensuring policies protect children and prioritize families. Our team drafts white papers, shapes legislation, and guides government leaders through the process of developing and implementing family-first reforms. We provide practical tools and resources that equip local leaders and partners to advocate effectively in their own contexts for children. By leveraging data, research, and real-world experience from our work on the ground, we influence decision-makers and shift systems away from institutional care toward holistic solutions that place the child’s well-being at the center and elevate the essential role of families and communities.
FEO's Family-First Framework
An estimated 5.4 million children are growing up in residential care facilities,
commonly referred to as orphanages, separated from the care and love of family.
8 out of 10 of these children have families. Poverty, crisis, and broken systems
funnel children into orphanages—but rarely out again.
Family is where children can thrive. Every nation needs a strong system that
makes family care possible for every child — it is both a legal obligation, God’s
design, and our shared moral responsibility.
The Family-First Framework is a practical, visual toolset that helps leaders
strengthen child protection and welfare systems so children can remain in, return, or find their way to, safe and loving families. It’s for in-country leaders already driving care reform, and anyone seeking to impact a child’s life.
Family first, for every child
What your gifts are doing to help advance systems change
💙Reforming child protection systems – working with governments, experts, and advocates to make policies family-centered and protective.
💙 Drafting legislation and white papers – guiding governments in creating and implementing family-first reforms.
💙 Leveraging data and research – using real-world insights to influence decision-makers and shape better policies.
💙 Providing practical tools and resources – equipping local leaders and partners to advocate effectively in their own communities.
💙 Shifting systems away from institutional care – promoting holistic solutions that prioritize children’s well-being.
💙 Elevating families and communities – ensuring children grow up safe, supported, and connected to the people who love them.
