A charity website should make it easy to understand who runs the organisation, where it works and how to contact someone responsible. A moving story is not proof of good practice. Before supporting a children’s residential home, look for confirmed registration information, clear governance, safeguarding procedures and an honest explanation of how money is used.
Ask for an up-to-date budget or financial report. Are donations restricted to specific activities or pooled for the home’s needs? Are receipts available? Who authorises spending and what independent checks exist? Not every small organisation will have polished reports, but it should answer reasonable questions accurately rather than pressure a supporter to transfer money quickly.
Child protection deserves its own questions. How is placement into care assessed? What checks are made on staff and volunteers? Does the organisation protect children’s identities and family connections? Is there a safe way for children to report concerns? UNICEF’s guidance on volunteering and alternative care gives a useful framework for evaluating the answers.
MCH’s new website separates confirmed public contact details from payment information that still needs verification. It also avoids publishing individual child profiles. Before giving, contact the home directly, check the organisation’s current documents and keep your transfer receipt. Respectful due diligence strengthens good organisations and protects the children they serve.
Frequently asked questions
What is this article about?
Five questions are more useful than the most moving photograph.
What can readers do?
Donations go into a shared care budget. You cannot select or “adopt” a specific girl through this programme; support is allocated according to needs and the children’s best interests.
Where can I verify the context?
Read the linked references below. UNICEF Nepal: Volunteering in Nepal?; UNICEF: Children in alternative care; Moonlight Children’s Home: About
