World Vision prioritises the well-being of the world’s most vulnerable children (World Vision International’s Integrated Focus). Children without parental care have been deprived of the protection and guidance normally given by their parents as primary caregivers and duty-bearers, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation (Tolfree, 2005).

These children may be found living on the streets, struggling to care for their siblings, trafficked and exploited for sex or labour, or languishing in large, impersonal institutions. World Vision’s commitment to the most vulnerable children requires significant investment in determining appropriate responses to these difficult situations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to prompt discussion and discernment regarding best practices for models of care for children deprived of parental care (CDOPC).