Orphans International Sets Global Standards for Orphan Care

Orphans International Worldwide Sets Global Standards for Orphan Care:
A Personal Mission Turned Global Movement

New York, N.Y. — Orphans International Worldwide (OIW), founded in 1999, has announced the launch of its Global Standards certification program, a transformative effort to raise the quality of care for orphans worldwide. Drawing on over 25 years of hands-on experience, the organization has developed these standards to address every aspect of orphan care, ensuring that children receive the support they need to thrive.

The impetus for these standards comes from a deeply personal place: OIW’s founder is an adoptive parent whose experiences inspired what is now called “Mathew’s Rule.” Named after the founder’s son, the rule asks: Are the facilities adequate for my own child? This guiding principle leads to questions that lie at the heart of OIW’s standards:

    •    Is the bed clean enough?
    •    Is the food adequate and nutritious?
    •    Is the home lighting sufficient?
    •    Are the bathrooms sanitary?
    •    Are the kitchens appropriate?
    •    How are the laundry facilities?

OIW also evaluates policies on child adoption—whether international, domestic, or both—and places a strong emphasis on protecting children from exploitation.

“We must ask ourselves: Are these children treated with the same dignity and care we would demand for our own?” said Jim Luce.

Ending Exploitation in Orphanages

Orphans International Worldwide (Wikipedia) has a zero-tolerance policy for practices that exploit children. The organization opposes the common practice of having orphans sing and dance to entertain tourists as a means of raising funds. These performances can demean children and rob them of their dignity.

Additionally, OIW advocates for strict measures to prevent forms of child exploitation such as servitude (known as restavek in Haiti and prevalent in Indonesia) and sexual exploitation. The certification process requires orphanages to demonstrate robust policies to safeguard children and to educate communities on ethical standards of care.

A Comprehensive Certification Program

Orphanages seeking OIW certification can apply directly by contacting info@orphansinternational.org. The certification program offers two levels:
    1.    Global Standards Certification
    •    Cost: US$100
    •    Process: Orphanages complete a 100-point questionnaire addressing every aspect of care, from sanitation and nutrition to policies on adoption and protection against exploitation.
    2.    Field Inspection and Top Approval
    •    Cost: US$1,000
    •    Process: Local service organizations, such as Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis clubs, conduct on-site inspections using a detailed 100-point checklist. These inspections verify conditions and evaluate practices, ensuring that the standards are upheld in practice.

Building on Decades of Experience

Since its founding, OIW has operated its own orphanages or provided support in countries including Haiti, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Peru, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Togo, and Tanzania. This work has shaped OIW’s standards, ensuring they reflect the challenges and best practices of orphan care worldwide.

Orphans International Worldwide has also been recognized for its efforts by the U.S. Congress and the governments of India and Indonesia. Its Global Standards certification builds on this legacy of trust and innovation, offering a path for orphanages everywhere to improve their practices and demonstrate accountability.

Mathews Rule in Action

“Mathew’s Rule,” inspired by the founder’s son, encapsulates OIW’s mission. It asks care providers to look at their facilities through the eyes of a parent:
    •    Are the spaces where children sleep, eat, and play safe and sufficient?
    •    Are the children treated with dignity and respect?
    •    Are policies in place to prevent abuse or exploitation?

These questions form the foundation of OIW’s Global Standards, ensuring that no child is subjected to substandard care or unethical practices.

Transparency and Accountability

Certified orphanages are listed in OIW’s Global Registry of Orphan Care Excellence, an online resource for donors, governments, and communities. Each certified orphanage receives a grade (e.g., A, B, or C), which is displayed on a locally produced plaque. The plaque includes the inspection date, the name of the inspecting service club, and the OIW seal of approval.

A Movement for Change

“By asking the hard questions and setting the highest standards, we’re ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Luce. “This is about building a future where every orphan has a chance to thrive.”

Orphanages worldwide are encouraged to apply for certification, which includes:
    1.    Submitting the US$100 application fee and completing the Global Standards questionnaire.
    2.    Requesting an annual field inspection for US$1,000, which includes a locally produced plaque of certification.

To apply, orphanages can contact info@orphansinternational.org.

A Vision for the Future

OIW’s Global Standards certification is more than a checklist—it’s a movement to transform orphan care. Inspired by a parent’s love and backed by decades of experience, it ensures that the world’s most vulnerable children are cared for with the dignity they deserve.

With recognition from the U.S. Congress and international governments, as well as a listing on Wikipedia, OIW is positioned as a global leader in orphan care. Its partnerships with local service organizations and innovative use of artificial intelligence make the program accessible and impactful.

Through its Global Standards program, Orphans International Worldwide is setting a new precedent for orphan care—one rooted in compassion, accountability, and a commitment to every child’s future.

Orphans International Sets Global Standards for Orphan Care (Jan. 24, 2025)