The Success of the Rising Tides Conference on Transition

This past February, leaders, advocates, and experts from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C., for the Rising Tides Conference on Transition. The event was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders committed to transforming global care systems for orphans and vulnerable children. With a sharp focus on transitioning orphanages to family care, the conference reinforced the urgent need for sustainable, child-centered solutions that prioritize the well-being and future of every child.

The discussions at the conference focused on how to grow the global movement away from institutional care and toward family solutions. Research overwhelmingly shows that children thrive best in families, where they receive the emotional support, stability, and individualized care necessary for healthy development. The Rising Tides Conference provided a platform for sharing best practices, innovative models, and policy strategies to facilitate this critical transition, and move the needle in transition as a critical piece of care reform for children globally.

One of the key takeaways from the conference was the necessity of a collaborative approach, but also the need for better coordination between various stakeholders and systems. Government agencies, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and child welfare experts must work together to ensure that transitioning from orphanages to family care is both effective and sustainable. "Deep dive" and "fishbowl" discussion enabled thought leaders from around the globe to identify tools and practices that are working, lay out the real challenges facing transition and care reform, and brainstorm next steps and solutions to broaden the impact of transition as a component of care reform.

A significant focus of the event was the role of funding in driving care reform. Many orphanages exist not because they are the best option for children but because financial structures have historically supported institutional care. The conference emphasized the importance of redirecting resources toward family-strengthening programs, social services, and community-based support to prevent family separation and ensure that vulnerable children can remain in a safe, loving environment.

The transition from orphanages to family care is not just a policy issue—it is a moral imperative. The Rising Tides Conference reinforced that keeping children in institutions should be a last resort, not the norm. By investing in transition efforts, we can break the cycle of institutionalization and give children the opportunity to grow up in families that nurture their potential and safeguard their rights.
​
As the momentum from the Rising Tides Conference continues to build, it is imperative that governments, donors, and child welfare organizations commit to sustained action. The success of this conference is only the beginning—now is the time to turn knowledge into action, ensuring that every child, no matter where they are in the world, has the opportunity to grow up in a loving family.