Being family

Our calling to work with children “A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling” Psalm 68:5-6

God’s view of family What is a family? What does family look like here?

God’s view of family Family comes from God and reflects who God is Family is the only institution designed by God for the care of children The Bible sees each child within the context of family and community God wants his people to care for orphans and vulnerable children

God’s view of family The biblical model of family values: Long-term sexual faithfulness between husband and wife, Trans-generational support (e.g. grandparents/aunts/uncles), Moral education of children in a loving framework.

Families promote healthy child development Perspectives on what children need to thrive: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs How would the Bible inform our understanding of these universal human needs?

Families promote healthy child development To thrive children need: Foundations Unconditional love Attachment Resilience

Families promote healthy child development Children do not thrive or develop in a healthy way Dysfunctional families Separation from family Institutional care

Being family 2

Why are children separated from their families? UNICEF estimates 145 million children worldwide are orphans; Only 9% have lost both parents Estimated 2 million children in institutional care; 80% have one living parent

Why are children separated from their families? Armed conflict Discrimination Natural disaster Trafficking Disease Abuse Poverty Lack of access to education Disability Violence ?

Changing trends in working with children United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Life, survival and development Protection from violence, abuse or neglect Education that enables children to reach their potential Be raised by or have relationship with their parents Express their opinions and be listened to

Changing trends in working with children United Nations Guidelines on Alternative Care for Children 2009 Importance of a family environment for children The State’s responsibility to ensure alternative care for all children deprived of a family environment

Changing trends in working with children Constitution Children’s Act / National Plan of Action for children Alternative Care guidelines National Child Protection laws National Children’s home regulations

How to care for orphans and vulnerable children The best way to provide care for children is to support them in their family. If children are separated from family they are to be enabled to reunite with family quickly or be placed in a family environment.

How to care for orphans and vulnerable children Continuum of care 1. Strengthening families to prevent separation

How to care for orphans and vulnerable children Continuum of care 2. Responding to separated children Short-term transitional care Reunification Small group homes

Working together for family based care

Working together for family based care Step one Gather together with others who are doing similar work with children and have a heart for children belonging in families. Form a working group.

Working together for family based care Step two: Identify the main reasons why children become separated form their families in the local context and understand the national laws, guidelines and standards that are relevant to work with children.

Working together for family based care Step three: Raise awareness with other network members about the benefits of family care for children.

Working together for family-based care Further resources: Why Families Matter Bible study toolkit for churches Better Homes for Children manual to help churches and organisations plan for family-based care

Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of al the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.