Values

• SFAC's core value is that every child matters in every country. Orphaned and abandoned children in less well developed countries also have the right to live within a family setting wherever possible. The United Nations Convention for The Rights of the Child advocates the principle of family based care solutions

• We believe that orphaned and abandoned children are the most vulnerable members of society requiring protection, security and advocacy. They should never be left isolated in orphanages or institutions, or even on the streets

• First port of call should always be immediate and extended family members, failing that a local substitute family should be found. Most of us would never want our children to grow up in an orphanage so why is it considered appropriate for children in developing nations? For further information read A Last Resort and Facing the Crisis, (Save The Children) and UN guidelines for the alternative care of children - June 2009

• SFAC do not believe that institutions are inherently bad just that they are often ill equipped to deal with a child's emotional welfare and is unable to help them learn about developing meaningful family relationships