Europe

Background

Europe is a continent of an estimated 741 million people. In Eastern Europe, residential care remains a common solution for orphans and vulnerable children. There are an estimated 7.3 million orphans living in Eastern Europe. Though Western Europe does not have the same challenges with residential care, the number of children in foster care or at risk of going into the system is significant. Europe still has the highest numbers of children separated from their families worldwide.   

The Challenges:

  • Children without parental or family care may end up in an orphanage or group home. 
  • More training programs are needed for families in crisis as well as for preparing foster and adoptive families to receive children.  

Europe Without Orphans works to:

  • Equip national leaders to collaborate in solving their country’s orphaned and vulnerable children crisis 
  • Build new national movements in all nations of Europe 
  • End the institutionalization of children through lobby and advocacy campaigns 
  • Strengthen crises families to prevent family-child separation and support foster and adoptive through trainings and support programs 
  • Engage churches to support families and promote adoption. 

Countries with National Initiatives

Belarus Without Orphans

The Republic of Belarus is a small former Soviet nation in Europe with a population just under 10 million. In 2008, Belarus was a nation that got hit pretty severely in the global economic crisis. Because of this economic downturn there are approximately 25,000 orphans in Belarus.

Latvia Without Orphans

Latvia is a small country of only 2 million people, located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. There are thousands of orphans living in Latvia. The children need more support than ever due to the social and economic upheaval. Latvia is among the poorest nations in the European Union, and the health care system is one of the worst in Europe. HIV/AIDS affects about 10,000 people in the country. Children under the age of 14 account for about 13.5% of the population in Latvia. Families are forced to move around due to economic stress, and children are left with people who cannot take care of them and ultimately end up in state-run institutions. The children then grow up and leave the institution unprepared for living on their own.

Romania Without Orphans

Romania is a located in South Eastern Europe and has a population of about 21.7 million people. There are about 100,000 orphans living in child protective services with more being abandoned each day.

Ukraine Without Orphans

Ukraine has a population of 43 million people, and 106,000 children live in boarding schools of various types (6,000 of whom are adoptable). Though in recent years Ukraine has made great strides in moving towards family care like foster care and adoption.

United Kingdom

Our vision is – a home for every child who needs one. When Home for Good launched as a charity in 2014, there were 9,000 foster carers urgently needed and approximately 6,000 children waiting to be adopted – and approximately 15,000 evangelical churches in the UK!

Regional Stories

Journey to a World Without Orphans (video)

Join our Journey to Create a World Without Orphans! Thrilled to share our incredible journey helping vulnerable children in Europe and beyond. Together, we combine skills, knowledge, and resources, reaching new heights and touching more lives for a world without orphans! Watch this inspiring video and share it to motivate others to take action in giving every child a permanent, loving home.
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Hope Groups Providing Light In The Darkness

World Without Orphans (WWO) HOPE Groups are currently providing comfort, friendship, and healing for dazed, angry, and scared Ukrainian families who have been impacted by war.
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Because a church cared

Olga was one of the many mothers who fled Ukraine with her children after the war broke out. She arrived in Bulgaria with her three children and was met by church members there who have a heart for widows and orphans. 
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Stronger Together (video)

When we work together and collaborate with others, we can achieve more for vulnerable children than we ever could alone. This video reminds us of the power of collaboration and positive relationships in creating a more effective and sustainable approach to our ministry. Watch and share this video with the ones you are working with!
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Finding Hope in the Valley (video)

As we serve those in need, it's crucial to care for our own spiritual health too. Let's take time to connect with God and seek refreshment, so we can love and serve with compassion. Watch this powerful video for a reminder of the importance of spiritual renewal in our work with vulnerable children, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today!
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