A network that sustains
In a country marked by deep inequalities, SOS Children’s Villages Chile has spent nearly six decades building a solid network of care and support – one that stands out for its quality, transparency, and impact, having reached more than 35,000 children, young people, and families. This year, the national association is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
During his visit, Mimmo Parisi, President of the International Board of SOS Children’s Villages, highlighted the strength of the local model: its diversified programmes, technical specialization, and strong youth participation. The model goes beyond administering services – it lays the foundation for relationships that transform lives.
With operations from Arica to Castro, SOS Children’s Villages supported 1,246 participants in 2024 through family strengthening and alternative care programmes. These include:
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7 residential alternative care programmes.
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5 territorial family support and focused prevention programmes.
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1 programme preparing children living in institutions for integration into family-based alternative care (2025).
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2 specialized protection programmes for survivors of abuse and severe sexual violence (PRM), in Santiago, opened earlier this year and officially inaugurated during Mimmo Parisi’s recent visit.
The PRM programmes are designed to support the comprehensive recovery of children and young people who have endured severe violations of their rights. Experiences of physical or psychological abuse and sexual assault often result in long-lasting emotional, social, and developmental impacts, and the PRM model is specifically designed to address these complex therapeutic and protection needs.
The two new centres are located on the restored grounds of the former SOS Children’s Village of Madreselvas, which opened in 1967 and historically housed 120 children. SOS Children’s Villages Chile modernized and adapted the facilities for specialized therapeutic work.
Prevention, care, and family reintegration
In 2024, family strengthening programmes supported more than 840 children in rural, semi-rural, and high-risk urban areas, reinforcing parenting skills, school attendance, community networks, and timely access to health services.
Residential programmes cared for 406 children, adolescents, and young people, providing comprehensive support within a family-like living environment. Each residence functions as a small community focused on safe family reintegration, full access to healthcare and education, and preparation for independent living. The work is coordinated among technical teams, caregivers, and families.
A total of 169 discharges were recorded in 2024, including 46 family re-integrations, 14 transitions to independent living, and 3 adoptions. All discharges followed strict procedural standards and prioritized the best interests of each child or young person.
The organization adapted its model through the 2023–2027 National Strategy, responsibly resizing programmes to ensure continuity, protection, and financial sustainability, while expanding its network to strengthen prevention of family separation.
Homes that protect and support growth
The Chilean residences of SOS Children’s Villages prioritize a family-like, nurturing environment, with comfortable homes, stable caregiving teams, and specialized support. Young people develop key skills for independent living, including self-care, household management, financial literacy, mobility, and employability. All programmes foster community integration through local health, education, and social service networks.
Young people at the center
Youth participation is a defining feature of the Chilean model. In 2024:
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All residences consolidated local participation committees.
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A National Youth Committee was created.
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Young people set priorities such as autonomy, citizenship, and successful transitions.
Key milestones include 5 global scholarships, 25 students advancing in higher education, and 12 completing the national exam required for university admission.
A strong voice in public policy
SOS Children’s Villages Chile plays an active role in national child safeguarding policy, contributing to:
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The National Childhood and Adolescence Policy 2023–2032.
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The implementation of the Karin Law.
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Intersectoral civil society working groups.
Its technical expertise gives it strong influence in decisions that shape the future of children in Chile.
Alliances that strengthen impact
With more than 52,000 active individual donors and strategic long-term corporate partnerships, SOS Children’s Villages Chile continues to expand opportunities for young people. Companies such as DHL, Avon, Oriflame, and others support training, vocational fairs, and volunteering initiatives that enhance independent-living skills.
A model that welcomes and transforms
Across Chile, SOS Children’s Villages creates an ecosystem where the prevention of family breakdown, alternative care, advocacy, and youth participation come together. Despite national and global challenges, the organization continues to innovate, adapt, and strengthen communities. “In Chile, the right to grow up in a family is not a slogan, but a lived reality that transforms lives,” says Mimmo Parisi.