Changing The Way We Care
Ensuring every child grows up in a family, not an institution
Across the globe, millions of children live in residential institutions—often not because they are orphaned, but because their families lack the support to care for them. Institutional care separates children from the love, stability, and sense of belonging that families uniquely provide.Â
Changing the Way We Care (CTWWC) is a global movement to end the institutionalisation of children by transforming how we care for the most vulnerable. In Kenya, ICS SP—together with CRS, the Department of Children’s Services, and local partners—leads efforts in Kisumu and Nyamira to prevent family separation, strengthen family-based care, and reintegrate children with families. Because all children deserve to grow up surrounded by love, safety, and opportunity.Â
Our Approach
We work hand-in-hand with families, communities, care institutions, and government to make care reform a reality through:Â
Preventing unnecessary separation by supporting families with parenting guidance, economic strengthening, and social support
Reintegrating children with their families through structured case management and community support
Transitioning residential care institutions into community- and family-based service providers
Engaging communities, local and faith leaders to shift public attitudes and promote family-based care
Empowering care leavers with life skills and support systems for independent living
Connecting families to essential services including health, education, and protection
Championing disability inclusion and safeguarding in every aspect of care reform
Our work is grounded in evidence and driven by a belief that families—when supported—are the best place for children to grow and thrive.Â
Impact So Far
- Strengthened county and community systems to implement Alternative Family Care Guidelines
- Residential care institutions shifting toward family- and community-based services
- Hundreds of children safely reunited with families
- Public awareness campaigns changing mindsets about orphanages and family care
- Care leavers equipped with life skills and connected to support networks
- Increased access to critical services for thousands of families, preventing unnecessary separation
- Inclusion of children with disabilities in all reintegration and prevention programming
- Government and faith leader collaboration in implementing Kenya’s 10 Year Care Reform Strategy
Supported by:
Partner with us. Learn with us. Change the way we care.
Let’s reimagine care so every child grows up in a safe, loving family. Join us to learn, partner, and lead change that gives children not just a place to live, but a place to belong.Â