Long before there were child protection and
child welfare agencies, religious communities
were among the strongest advocates for children.
People of faith provide guidance, aid,
and comfort to millions of disadvantaged children
and families. Throughout their histories,
churches, mosques, temples, and other faith
institutions have reached out to and taken
in orphans, neglected and abused children,
and children exploited for labor or sex. They
have been at the forefront of health care and
education in much of the world, particularly