Unique Characteristics of the Orphan Care Initiative
The Support of the Local Church: Churches are the most influential source of care and support. Orphan care is being provided through the church in many areas. Orphans continue to receive the best care when the local church, in collaboration with other partners, is at the foundation of program development. As the distribution center for hope in a community, the local church is positioned to identify needs and support interventions for orphan care.

The Church is the Hope for the Orphan. The Church has:
1. The largest participation
2. The widest distribution
3. The simplest administration
4. The fastest expansion
5. The longest continuation
6. The strongest authorization
7. The highest motivation. 

Saddleback Church Rwanda Orphan Care Initiative is unique due to:

The Establishment of Historic Partnerships: The Rwandan Steering Committee, along with private and public sectors are partnering with the local church. This partnership creates an unprecedented alliance. The linking of stakeholders from a variety of interests and expertise will help achieve broad-reaching outcomes and multi-pronged goals.

The Focus on Prevention: The Rwandan Orphan Care Initiative focuses on preventing children from becoming orphans.  Orphan care programs frequently focus on the child who is already orphaned. This Initiative seeks to also consider the concepts of prevention. Prevention begins by recognizing the synergistic effect of HIV and orphans. One cannot care about orphans without realizing and embracing the impact that HIV has on children, leaving them vulnerable and without parents. If one cares about orphans, one must care about HIV.

The Commitment to the Family: The overall goal is to strength the capacity of families to protect and care for orphans and vulnerable children. Family- based care is a priority. Research has shown that children do not primarily need a home, but a family. The commitment to the family as God’s plan for the care and development of children is the basis for programs found in this Initiative including foster care, transition home care and adoption.
The emphasis on community solutions unique to Rwanda: Helping promote family reconciliation and reunification: In light of the genocide, efforts in this initiative operate out of the belief that family reunification is a high priority. Keeping children in their home is the goal of sponsorship. Helping children find parents is also the goal of both reunification efforts and domestic adoption.

The care for people infected and affected by HIV: No one in Rwanda has escaped the impact of HIV/ AIDS. This pandemic has claimed families and destroyed communities, leaving children orphaned and responsible for their own survival. People living with HIV and AIDS have much to contribute to the orphan community. The best people to help teach prevention or lovingly care for someone who is positive are those who are HIV positive.
The focus on wholistic care and principles of child development: The Rwandan church is equipped to care for the whole person. As orphan care programs are developed, each intervention will be based on knowledge of, and regard for the child’s unique emotional, spiritual, physical, cognitive, and developmental needs.