In June 2026, World Without Orphans leaders visited Chile for a strategic week of meetings, teaching, and relationship-building. The team included Ruby M. Johnston, Global Capacity Building Lead for Intervention, and Maria de la Paz Zabala (Pachi), Regional Ambassador for Latin America. Together with Paul and Carolina, WWO Chile leaders, they met with government leaders, churches, NGOs, academics, and civil society partners around one shared vision: that every child and adolescent can grow up in the safety and belonging of a family.
One historic moment took place at Chile’s National Congress in Valparaíso, where Ruby was invited to present before the Family Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, the first time a foreign representative had been invited to do so. Her presentation opened space for deeper conversation about child development, family care, and collaboration for vulnerable children and families.
The team also met with Chile’s National Child, Adolescent and Family Protection Service and with Marcelo Sánchez, Undersecretary for Children, Adolescents and Families. These conversations moved beyond introductions. Government leaders invited WWO to review current family assessment processes and provide recommendations on evaluation procedures, timelines, and overall effectiveness.
Church engagement was another important part of the visit. At Encuentro con Cristo Church, approximately 200 people gathered for a special evening focused on foster care and adoption. Ruby shared a 40-minute presentation on child development, trauma, and the importance of family-based care. Claudio Castillo, National Director of Chile’s Child, Adolescent and Family Protection Service, also attended the gathering. After the event, the team had time to speak with him about adolescents in care and the need for strong programs to support them. As a direct result of the evening, 15 families registered to begin the process of becoming foster or adoptive families. They are now entering interviews and training led by Paul and Carolina, with additional online training planned through WWO.
One of the most unexpected and meaningful moments came during a meeting at the Presidential Palace. Following official photographs, Ruby, Pachi, Paul, and Carolina spent more than two hours in conversation with Chile’s First Lady. The meeting had originally been scheduled for one hour, but continued because of her strong interest in collaboration, early childhood brain development, and practical ways to strengthen families. She asked thoughtful questions and showed openness to continued engagement, including interest in the future WWO Latin America Forum planned for Chile in 2027.
The week also included a national forum at the former National Congress with approximately 350 participants, including members of Congress, university researchers, foster families from Alas de Refugio and MOVAC, and leaders committed to strengthening family-based care. Speakers highlighted the importance of family as the foundation of society and the growing need to strengthen families and communities in Chile. The forum concluded with Ruby’s keynote presentation on child development, trauma-informed care, and collaboration, connecting the day’s message to a shared goal: helping more children grow up in families. (Image - Child Service protection)
Looking Ahead
The visit opened important doors for ongoing collaboration between government, churches, NGOs, and civil society. Next steps include continued partnership with Chilean leaders, support for foster and adoptive family preparation, strengthening collaboration with public systems, and building toward the possibility of a WWO Latin America Forum in Chile in 2027.
What is growing in Chile is one part of a larger vision across Latin America: local leaders working together so children do not simply move through systems, but grow up in families where they are known, loved, and supported. Your gift helps equip leaders, strengthen collaboration, and create space for more countries to move toward family-based care.
Will you help this work continue across Latin America?
Support the WWO Latin America initiative today: Latin America - World Without Orphans
