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Children in Crisis

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In any crisis, children's needs must come first.

Sometimes crises strike, sometimes they creep, and sometimes they simmer to a boiling point. Right now, the world is facing complex crises and conflicts compounded by global terrorism, organized crime and political instability that fuels unprecedented and widespread violence. In this turbulent global landscape, children are always the most vulnerable.

Many will remain in their communities and recover, and ChildFund helps them do so. But with rising conflict, environmental shocks and economic inequality, more children and families are leaving their homes every day. Over 100 million people worldwide are displaced, half of them children. 

Between 2008 and 2023, ChildFund’s humanitarian responses reached 2 million displaced people in crisis directly. Over 151,000 of them were children.

I saw a positive way forward in my community. Many youth have become young entrepreneurs and now they have the means to be economically stable.

— participant in ChildFund’s Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America project

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Our Approach: Protection for the Most Vulnerable

ChildFund’s holistic approach for children in crisis prioritizes children’s protection and inclusion in any situation. As we respond in crises, we also collaborate with governments, communities and civil society to facilitate stability and protection for children, ensuring sustainable impact. 

 

Locally Led Emergency Response

In communities where ChildFund has a presence, we support local systems including civil society partners, governments and youth groups to build resilience against crisis. In Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, our Preventing Irregular Child Migration in Central America (PICMCA) program helped young people expand their agency and contribute within their communities by documenting their child protection concerns and engaging meaningfully with decision makers.  

Key PICMCA impacts: 

  • Youth civic engagement saw a 24% increase by the end of the program. 
  • After livelihood support interventions, 40% of youth were employed.
  • 16% of people reported feeling very safe in their community. 
  • 2/3 of youth reported greater awareness of the risks of irregular migration. 

When crisis erupts, ChildFund aims to safeguard children and their communities during the initial stages by mitigating risks of abuse, violence and other forms of harm. Key packages include:  

  • Provision of non-food items and dignity kits  
  • Child-friendly spaces  
  • Provision of mental health and psychosocial services 
  • Safe identification and referral
  • Multipurpose cash for protection  

This strategy strengthens our response within existing operational areas such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia and Mozambique, while allowing us to selectively expand our response to large-scale crises beyond these areas through partnerships.  

Because children’s needs are often sidelined in humanitarian responses, ChildFund builds Safe Spaces where children, youth and the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations can access lifesaving services and children can learn and play in safety, with access to psychological first aid to address any mental health issues that arise, while their adults seek the resources they need. We also provide mental health support for caregivers and distribute emergency supplies like dignity kits. 

Featured Programs & Resources

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During Displacement: Our Work With Children in Crisis

Building a New Life: Support for Reintegration

Collaboration Toward Sustainable, Localized Support

Guiding Principles

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Ecuador: Experiences and Challenges with People in Human Mobility

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In Ecuador, ChildFund and our partners are working to support children and families living as refugees to help provide access to decent livelihood opportunities, quality education and safe and protective communities.

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Meet Our Experts

Radwa el Manssy

Director of Protecting Children in Crisis

Jesús Silva

Advisor II, Humanitarian

Policies

Connect

  • ChildFund International
    2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294

  • To mail donations:
    ChildFund
    PO Box 1911
    Merrifield, VA 22116-1911

  • +1-800-776-6767
  • Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm ET
    Friday - 9:30am - 2:00pm ET
  • Submit a Question  
  • questions@ChildFund.org

Copyright ©2025 ChildFund. A 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Christian Children's Fund and CCF are registered service marks of ChildFund International, USA.

Copyright ©2025 ChildFund. A 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.