A safe place can be the first step towards stability, recovery and hope.
When children need a safe place
Not every child is able to remain safely within their family environment.
Abuse, neglect, violence, abandonment, homelessness, family breakdown and other crises can leave children without the protection, care and stability they need. In these situations, immediate safety becomes the priority.
Shelter and alternative care provide a safe and supportive environment for children who require protection while longer-term solutions are explored.
Why it matters
When children are removed from unsafe situations or have nowhere safe to go, they often need more than emergency assistance.
They may require stability, routine, care and support during periods of uncertainty and transition. Without access to safe and appropriate care, children can face increased risks to their physical safety, emotional wellbeing and overall development.
Providing a secure environment helps children regain a sense of stability while ensuring that their immediate needs are met and future planning can begin.
How we contribute
Nazhoen Lamtoen provides shelter and alternative care services for children who require protection, safety and support. All decisions relating to care and future planning are guided by the best interests of the child.
Our work includes:
- Providing emergency shelter and immediate care.
- Offering a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
- Meeting children’s daily care and basic needs.
- Supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and development while in care.
- Providing psychosocial support and guidance.
- Working closely with children to understand their individual circumstances and needs.
- Coordinating with families, communities and relevant agencies to identify appropriate care arrangements.
- Preparing children for future transitions, including family-based care, alternative care arrangements or reintegration pathways.
More than temporary accommodation
Shelter and alternative care are not simply about providing a place to stay.
Children entering care often arrive during periods of crisis, uncertainty or significant change. Alongside physical safety, they may need routine, trust, guidance and supportive relationships.
The aim is to create an environment where children can experience stability, receive appropriate care and begin to recover from difficult circumstances while longer-term solutions are identified.
Providing stability during transition
Shelter and alternative care often form part of a broader child protection pathway.
Children may enter care through child protection services and later move towards family reunification, alternative care arrangements, rehabilitation or reintegration, depending on their circumstances and best interests.
By providing safety, care and stability during critical periods, this area of work helps ensure that children are protected while the most appropriate next steps are planned and prepared.