12 Strategies for Supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children

These strategies are based on principles that have been agreed upon and endorsed by a broad constituency of community and faith-based organizations, foundations, and international agencies serving children. They serve as a guide to "best practice" for those who are funding or implementing responses to children in need.

1. Focus on the most vulnerable children, not only those orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

2. Strengthen the capacity of families and communities to care for children.

3. Reduce stigma and discrimination.

4. Support HIV prevention and awareness, particularly among youth.

5. Strengthen the ability of caregivers and youth to earn livelihoods.

6. Provide material assistance to those who are too old or ill to work.

7. Ensure access to health care, life-saving medications, and home-based care.

8. Provide daycare and other support services that ease the burden on caregivers.

9. Support schools and ensure access to education, for girls as well as boys.

10. Support the psychosocial, as well as material, needs of children.

11. Engage children and youth in the decisions that affect their lives.

12. Protect children from abuse, gender discriminations, and labor exploitation.


These key strategies underlie the work of community-and faith-based organizations effectively responding to the needs of children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS and poverty. However, communities cannot and should not be expected to shoulder this enormous burden alone. Governments have a responsibility to provide basic services, especially in areas such as public health, education, material assistance, and social protection. Community-and faith-based organizations have an important role to play in advocating for and helping children and families access these critical services.

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