About Us

Every night thousands upon thousands of children in Africa put themselves and their younger siblings to bed. They have taken on the role of parent, some not even 10 years old. Most are not able to go to school, nor able to properly care and provide for themselves or their younger siblings. Worldwide countless others live in over crowded orphanages, which most often are far from the ideal solution of a loving and caring environment.

Chris Smith, Former Chair of the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies in the UK and now one of the founding Trustees of Children and Families says, “In Malawi, for example, communities want to take care of their own children and many small community organisations exist that are giving direct care and education to orphans.”

With a little support, communities where these children come from can be much better equipped to take care of their own children. Children and Families is driven by the commitment of individuals with personal and professional experience of caring for vulnerable children within the UK and beyond. It is underpinned by a belief that children should be able to grow up within their own communities.