The term “orphan” refers to any child who has lost one or both parents from any cause. A “single” orphan is a child that has lost one parent while a “double” orphan has lost both parents. Most orphan statistics include children in both categories. This definition has caused some confusion for individuals and faith-based organizations seeking to work with orphaned children. It is important to remember that of the more than 153 million children classified as orphans worldwide, approximately 18 million have actually lost both parents. Evidence shows that the vast majority of orphans are living with a surviving parent, grandparent, or family member.
The term “vulnerable children” describes all children who have been determined to be in greatest need. They can include children who have lost one or both parents, whose parents have become too ill to care for and protect them, children living in extreme poverty and lack access to basic services, or those suffering from illness or disability.
Extended family members and the community are caring for the vast majority of orphaned and vulnerable children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that over 90% of orphaned children are cared for by a surviving parent, grandmothers, aunts and uncles, older siblings, or neighbors and community members acting as “foster families.” Many of these families are living in extreme poverty, which is exacerbated as more children enter the home. Local groups are in the best position to directly minister to the needs of children and families in their own communities. Churches in the United States also have a critical role to play. By learning about, praying for, giving to, and serving with these local efforts, we can help to bring life-sustaining support to children and families in need.
Inter-country adoption can never address the needs of all orphaned and vulnerable children, but as a piece of the continuum of care it can provide a vital solution for children who might otherwise grow up in residential (orphanage) care.