SOS Children's Villages has been working for 70 years for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. The international aid organisation believes that the family is the most important foundation for a child's development. Through SOS Children's Villages, thousands of children around the world receive a solid foundation so that they can develop into responsible and independent adults. Preferably in their own family, but if this is no longer possible in an SOS family, in a children's village.

About SOS Children's Villages

Their vision and mission

No child should grow up alone. Children who grow up without the love and care of a family are at greater risk of violence, neglect and poverty. They help build a world in which every child grows up in a safe and loving place, in Belgium and more than 135 other countries and territories.

And yet, today, 1 child in 10 grows up without the love and care of a family. Because the parents are no longer there or because they are (temporarily) unable to provide appropriate care. Worldwide, that means 220 million children. In Belgium, they estimate that this is 1 child in 25, 94,600 children. 

The consequences for children's well-being, development and future are serious. Children who grow up without a family risk: 

• to do less well at school
• to be less strong in social relationships
• less resilience and resistance to build up
• a greater risk of health problems
• to be more vulnerable to addictions and depression
• to be at greater risk of suicide

Their vision: every child has the right to a family

Since 1949, they have been committed to ensuring that every child can grow up in a family, surrounded by trusted adults, with love, safety and respect. Because in a family, children can grow. 

Their mission: a family for every child

They are building a world in which every child grows up with the love and care of a family. Their own family if possible, an alternative family if necessary. 

When children are at risk of losing their family, they strengthen that family. So that they can continue to care for their children themselves in the long term. Because if their own family can offer a safe and loving place, then that is the best place for a child to grow up. When children are no longer safe at home (temporarily), they ensure that they find care in a warm, family environment, tailored to each child. This can take various forms: an SOS family, with a professional care parent or surrounded by a small team of supervisors. At the same time, they work intensively with the original family, so that the parents remain involved in the lives of their children and a return home always remains in view. 

Their goal: to create a care effect

When children grow up with love, safety and respect, surrounded by trustworthy adults, they are supported through challenges and given opportunities to develop relationships, skills and a social network. From that solid foundation, they can in turn contribute positively to society. They call that the "Care Effect"

Their Work

Families in all shapes and sizes. Big or small, one parent or two, male or female, it doesn't matter. As long as living together is based on safety, love and respect.

• Rebuilding vulnerable families: If children are at risk of losing their family, the organization will strengthen that family. So that they can continue to care for their children themselves in the long term.
• Building new families: If there is no family left, they build a new one. This can be in all shapes and sizes: an SOS family in a children's village, a professional care parent, a small group with permanent supervisors.
• Building the self-reliance of young adults: They help young adults on their way until they are strong enough to stand on their own two feet. Because family doesn't stop when you turn eighteen. Family is for life.
• Help build the Belgian youth care of tomorrow: Together with youth care, they want to build the best possible care and guidance for children who cannot grow up with their parents. So that one day they will all find a place where they feel safe, loved and respected.
• Helping build children's rights worldwide: They elevate the voices of children and young people and work with local, national and international authorities to promote children's rights and translate their implementation into practice. With the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children as a basis. 
• Building resilience in times of need: Thanks to their strong local presence in 138 countries, they can quickly and efficiently help organize emergency aid in the event of natural disasters or war. Their focus is on the resilience of the most vulnerable children and families.
• Building a climate where violence against children is unlikely and unacceptable: The safety of children is a fundamental right and any infringement against it is completely unacceptable. Yet violence against children and neglect is a global problem, often hidden behind closed doors and therefore long hidden. That is why the safety of children is an absolute priority throughout their work.