Kinship United’s Guiding Principles for Child Welfare

Kinship United is committed to the welfare of orphaned, unaccompanied, and separated children, providing them with a nurturing family environment within our Kinship Projects. Guided by the teachings of the Bible, we value the sanctity of the family unit and see the collective effort of the Christian community as crucial in our mission.

Family-Centric Approach: We strive to recreate lost childhoods and forge strong bonds between children and their caregivers, avoiding traditional orphanage models. Our focus is on family-based care, ensuring that children’s varied needs are met within a supportive home setting.

Core Values

Holistic Child Development: We prioritize the spiritual, physical, psychological, and social development of children, aiming to provide a stable environment for their recovery and growth.

Restoration of Childhood: Our goal is to offer a sanctuary where every child can receive quality education, experience personal development in a safe environment, and have their rights fully respected.

The Role of the Family: Recognizing the family as the cornerstone of society, we support efforts to reunify children with their families whenever possible, reinforcing the belief that family care is fundamental to a child’s upbringing and development.

Anti-Discrimination: We are dedicated to eliminating discrimination in all forms, ensuring every child has equal opportunities regardless of their background.

Gender Equality: We commit to promoting gender equality, providing equal access to education, healthcare, and developmental opportunities for all children.

Adequate Housing: Safe and secure housing is a priority, as it fosters family integration and contributes to the children’s well-being.

Adherence to International Standards: We align with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international instruments, committing to the principles of non-discrimination, participation, and the overarching best interests of the child.

Empowerment of Caregivers: We support our caregivers in their vital role, promoting shared responsibility among all members of our community in the care and upbringing of children.

Decision Making in the Child’s Best Interest: Every decision is made with the child’s best interests at heart, informed by national laws, ethical values, and the cultural context.

Respecting the Child’s Voice: We believe in listening to and considering the views of children in decisions affecting them, appropriate to their maturity levels.

Discipline and Guidance: Our discipline policies reject violence, advocating for methods that teach respect and understanding, aligned with both local laws and Biblical teachings.

Promoting Self-Sufficiency: We aim for Kinship Projects to achieve self-sufficiency within five years, encouraging independence from aid through community support and sustainable practices.

Freedom in Christ: We offer guidance in Christian beliefs while respecting the children’s right to free thought, conscience, and religion, emphasizing respect for others’ rights and freedoms.

Through these principles, Kinship United strives to create a nurturing, equitable, and empowering environment for all children in our care.