Christian Alliance for Orphans

Published Research

A collection of our latest peer-reviewed published research

logo-mark

You want to use research-based strategies to care for children and families.

Diving into scientific research can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to knowing where to begin and identifying what's important. We have carefully curated a collection of our latest peer-reviewed published research just for you.

Whether you work with vulnerable children or provide support to families, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and tools to confidently provide research-based care. Let us guide you on your journey towards better understanding and implementing research in your program’s everyday practices.

Valuable information about the studies themselves

Easy-to-understand infographics

Useful resources for further learning

Published Research Studies

A collection of our latest published research, organized by topic to ensure you can access information that is relevant and useful

Adults with Care Experience

Adults who were once children separated from parental care have experiential wisdom that can improve the care of vulnerable children today. These studies examine the perspective of adults with care experience and factors that lead to positive outcomes in this population.

Belonging and Well-being Infographic mockup
July 7, 2023

The Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Well-Being Outcomes in Emerging Adults with Care Experience

Article:
Mediating-Role-of-Attachment-Infographic-mockup.png
February 23, 2023

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health and Life Satisfaction in Adults with Care Experience: The Mediating Role of Attachment

Article and Resources:
Spirituality, Resilience and Well-being Infographic Mockup
February 11, 2023

The Relationship Between Spirituality and Resilience and Well-being: A Study of 529 Care Leavers from 11 Nations

Article and resources:
Infographic-Recommendations-Care-Reform-Spanish
September 27, 2022

Recommendations for Child Welfare Care Reform in the Global South: Perspectives of 542 Adults Who Were Separated from Parental Care During Childhood in 12 Nations

Article and Resources:

Transitioning to Family Care

Residential care providers are often well-positioned to transition their services to family care. However, this transition can be mysterious and intimidating for many. These studies explore the process of transitioning from a residential to a family-based model of care.

Group 1790 (2)-min
April 28, 2022

Antecedents to Child Placement in Residential Care: A Systematic Review

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Bringing-Donors-Along
October 10, 2021

Bringing Donors Along on the Journey: A Preliminary Investigation of Organizational Strategies in Transitioning from Residential to Family Care for Children

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Innovations-in-Care (1)
July 4, 2021

Innovations in Care for Children Separated from Parents: Transitioning from Residential to Family Models of Service

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Moving-Toward-Family-Solutions
April 4, 2020

Moving Towards Family Solutions: An Introduction to an Immersive Simulation Workshop

Article and Resources:
Looking for more resources on transitioning to family care? Find them here.

Rapid Unprepared Return

In response to the pandemic, some governments required residential care providers to rapidly return children to families without proper preparation for the transition. These studies examine the long-term impact of rapid unprepared return on children and families.

Infographic-Predictors-Parental-Stress-Rapid-Return
August 24, 2022

Predictors of Parental Stress and Family Function One Year After Rapid Unprepared Return: A Preliminary Analysis from Five Nations

Article and Resources:
Inforgraphic-Needs-Era-COVID-19
May 26, 2022

Needs in an Era of COVID-19: A Preliminary Investigation of Self-Reported Needs of Families Who Experienced Rapid Return as a Result of Government Mandates

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Reintegracion-Rapido-COVID-19
September 4, 2020

Rapid Return of Children in Residential Care to Family as a Result of COVID-19: Scope, Challenges, and Recommendations

Article and Resources:

Short-Term Missions

Millions of people travel annually for short-term international volunteer trips intended to benefit vulnerable children. These studies explore the phenomenon of short-term international volunteering and best practices for organizations that facilitate these trips.

Infographic-Participant-Reflections-Short-Term-Volunteering
August 31, 2021

Participant Reflections on Short-term International Volunteering: Benefits, Concerns, and Perspective Change

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Best-Intentions-Short-Term-Service-Trips-mockup
May 6, 2021

The Best Intentions: An Examination of Current Practices in Short-term International Service Trips Intended to Benefit Vulnerable Children and Youth

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Misguided-Altruism-mockup
June 26, 2019

Misguided Altruism: The Risks of Orphanage Volunteering

Article and Resources:
Looking for more resources on short-term missions? Find them here.

Children and Technology

Vulnerable children often experience increased challenges when it comes to media use. Our studies explore the connection between adversity and problematic media use to gain a better understanding of this relationship.

Group 1790 (3)-min
June 22, 2021

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Problematic Media Use: Perceptions of Caregivers of High-risk Youth

Article and Resources:
Infographic-Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-Attachment-Impulsivity-mockup
February 25, 2020

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Problematic Media Use: The Roles of Attachment and Impulsivity

Article and Resources:
Looking for more resources on children and technology? Find them here.

COVID-19

Those who were impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic were those who were already vulnerable. These studies explore how service providers can best support vulnerable children and families during crises.

Infographic-COVID-19-Recommendations-Faith-Communities-mockup
March 15, 2021

Data-Informed Recommendations for Faith Communities Desiring to Support Vulnerable Children and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Article and Resources:
Infographic-COVID-19-Recommendations-Service-Workers-mockups
July 30, 2020

Data-informed Recommendations for Service Providers Working With Vulnerable Children and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Article and Resources:
logo-mark

You want to do better for children. Let us help you bridge the gap between research and practice in orphan care.

Group 996

Give
to Research

Join us on the journey of learning to serve children and families better…together.

Group 997

Become a

Research Affiliate

Connect with like-minded researchers, share recent publications, and connect with opportunities to influence practice.

Stay connected with news and stories of impact in your inbox

English