In Madagascar, thousands of children grow up in institutions—not because of abuse or neglect, but often due to poverty, lack of support, and weak child protection systems. This is more than a statistic; it’s a crisis that affects the future of a generation. FAMadagascar is leading the way in changing this reality. As a pioneer of care reform in the country, our mission is clear and unwavering: children need families, not institutions.
Why Family Matters
Growing up in a family provides children with love, stability, identity, and belonging that they need to thrive in life. Institutions, no matter how well-run, cannot replace the nurture provided by a family. Yet, over 10,000 children in Madagascar currently live in institutional care—many unnecessarily.
FAMadagascar is working to reverse this trend by building a comprehensive child protection system that prevents family separation, strengthens families, and offers family-based alternatives when children cannot remain with their biological families.
Building a System That Puts Families First
- Strengthening Gatekeeping to Prevent Unnecessary Separation
At the heart of our work is a strong gatekeeping system. We believe that decisions about a child’s care must be made carefully, with their best interests at the centre. Our trained social workers support judges and institutional staff by conducting thorough assessments of children and families. This ensures that institutional placement is a last resort, not a default option. - Supporting Families to Stay Together
We work directly with vulnerable families, offering psychosocial support, parenting guidance, and access to essential services. By addressing the root causes of separation—poverty, access to health, and educational support—we empower caregivers to provide safe, nurturing environments for their children. - Reintegration: Bringing Children Back to Family
When children have been placed in institutions, we don’t stop at rescue—we focus on safe reintegration. Our team ensures that children returning to their families are supported throughout the process, with careful monitoring to promote stability and prevent re-entry into institutional care.
Innovative Programs That Make a Difference
- Foster Care System: As the first organization in Madagascar to establish a foster care system, we recruit, train, and support families to provide loving, professional care for children who cannot return to their biological families.
- Early Childhood and Community Services: We invest in community-based kindergartens and early childhood programs, recognizing that the early years are critical. These services give children a strong start and support parents in their caregiving roles.
- Advocacy and Policy Reform: Sustainable change requires systemic reform. We work with the Government of Madagascar, UNICEF, and international partners to influence policies and standards that prioritize family care over institutionalization.
- Capacity Building: We strengthen the social service workforce, equipping professionals with the tools and training needed to support children and families effectively.
A Future Rooted in Families
FAMadagascar’s integrated approach delivers both immediate support for vulnerable children and families and long-term solutions for systemic change. Every aspect of our work—from supporting judges to empowering families, from reintegration to foster care—is grounded in evidence and driven by compassion.
We envision a Madagascar where every child grows up in a safe, stable, and loving family. And we’re making that vision a reality—one child, one family, one community at a time.
