Our mission is to ensure that no child grows up alone, and the best interests of the individual child must be prioritized in any action that affects them.
SOS Children’s Villages Panama is working with the Government of Panama on the rapid reunification of some children in two programmes with their families of origin. This follows the decision of a supporting SOS Children’s Villages member association to suspend funding, based on well-founded concerns of possible non-compliance with our binding policies by SOS Children’s Villages Panama.
To minimize the potential impact of this decision on the safety and well-being of children, SOS Children's Villages International has sought discussions with the Panamanian government, the primary duty bearer. Our programmes continually seek to ensure children and young people can remain with, or return to, their families of origin if this is the best interest of the individual child. For a successful return to their families of origin, it is important to prepare and support the child and the family of origin so they can provide the care that the child needs. SOS Children’s Villages is dedicated to supporting children who are growing up alone to develop the bonds they need to become their strongest selves.