‘Family-Based Solutions’ is dedicated child protection reform. This started with – and still includes – putting an end to the institutionalisation of children, to making sure that all vulnerable children receive the care and protection they need in a family-based setting and making sure that children are not separated from their own families – or are reintegrated if they have already been separated – unless it is in their best interest, for children all over the world. In 2025, it has broadened to a wider and more foundational approach to child protection reform, with a focus on ensuring that root causes of child protection issues are addressed by using a ‘trauma-lens’ in all case management. In the long-term, this reform should lead not just to better outcomes for families and children, but to a reduced need for alternative care and fewer child protection concerns arising.
I provide guidance and capacity building and develop frameworks for organisations or governments who want to reform their child protection approach, move from institutional to family-based care for children, and/or set up community services and family strengthening. I raise awareness on a wide range of issues, through my publications, public speaking, and the blogs on this website.
It is worth looking through the blogs if you would like to know more about the effects of institutionalisation on children, how ‘orphanages’ are connected to child trafficking, what risks to the children are connected to volunteering in ‘orphanages’ or sponsoring them, how children end up in institutions, and what is involved in the move towards family-based care. Trauma and disability inclusion are particular areas of focus in my work.
Let’s work together to make sure that more children can safely grow up in their own families and that those who cannot, can find a proper home in a family, and live fulfilling lives.
You can contact me for requests for consultancy, technical editing and writing on a wide range of subjects connected to child protection and alternative care at info@familybasedsolutions.org . Have a look at the ‘Publications’ page to download various publications for free and find links to order my books.
