What we do

When children can no longer live with their families, we work with communities and state partners to provide children with loving and supportive alternative care.

We work with children, families, communities and states to prevent family breakdown and ensure that children's rights are met.

Quality care

Every child has the right to quality care. Quality care means a safe and caring environment for the child to grow and reach their full potential. We work with communities and states to provide a loving home for children who need alternative care and to prevent family breakdown.

Alternative care

We work to provide quality care for children who can no longer live with their parents. We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of care in our programmes and work with governments and communities to improve alternative child care systems.

Strengthen families

Families experiencing crises or extreme hardship may have difficulty caring adequately for their children. We work with families and communities to help them build their capacities so that children are well cared for and families stay together.

Safeguard children

Children have a right to protection and to feel safe. SOS Children's Villages does not tolerate any form of child abuse, exploitation, neglect or violation of a child’s privacy. We are committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective environment for every child we reach through our programmes.

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Advocate for children's rights

We stand up for children and help to inform communities and decision-makers about children's rights. We encourage children to actively take part in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and speak up for themselves.

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Teach and train

Quality education and training are keys to a successful future. We help ensure that children's fundamental right to education is met, from early childhood through vocational training or university, and that young people are prepared to live independent lives.

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Protecting children in emergencies

Children are particularly vulnerable during humanitarian emergencies. In such situations, we put the protection of children and their families at the centre of our actions.

No child should grow up alone

Everything we do is guided by the firm belief that no child should grow up alone. Sadly, an estimated 1 in 10 children worldwide grows up without the loving care they need. 

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News

Browse our news stories to learn more about our work.

Publications

Learn more about the policies that guide our work and our research.

Where we help

We are active in 136 countries and territories around the world.