On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, leaving communities across the island in ruins. Homes have been destroyed, infrastructure crippled, and families torn apart. Over 250,000 children have been directly affected, facing displacement, interrupted education, and increased risks to their health and well-being. The storm has deepened existing vulnerabilities, leaving many children in temporary shelters or institutions, separated from the safe, loving families they deserve.

At Care for Children, our mission has always been to ensure that every child grows up in a loving family rather than an institution. For more than 25 years, we’ve transformed the lives of over a million children across Asia. Now, we are extending our expertise to the Caribbean, beginning with Jamaica.

We are already in conversation with the Jamaican government to make this vision a reality. Together, we aim to establish Jamaica as a “hub country” for family-based care in the Caribbean, creating a model that neighbouring nations can follow. By applying our proven approach to family placement and child welfare reform, Jamaica will strengthen its position as a regional leader and centre of excellence that inspires other countries in the region to do the same. In an area increasingly affected by climate disasters, resilient child welfare systems are vital to safeguarding future generations.

Our Christmas Appeal: Give the Gift of Family

This holiday season, you can make an immediate and lasting difference. Care for Children is launching a special Christmas appeal to support children in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa, as well as our broader work across the Caribbean. Every donation will be matched pound for pound, up to the first £5,000 raised - doubling your impact!

Your gift will provide:

• Immediate Relief: Essential supplies for children in emergency shelters and foster families affected by the hurricane.
• Systemic Reform: Long-term investments including national policy support, training for social workers, public awareness campaigns to mobilize families, and regional collaboration to strengthen child care systems.

Imagine a child spending Christmas not in a shelter, but in the arms of a loving family. Your contribution - whether £25 (doubled to £50) to support one family’s reunion or £100 (doubled to £200) to train a social worker - can make that possible.

Join us in turning crisis into lasting change. Donate today and help ensure that no child in the Caribbean grows up without the love of a family.

For more information or to contribute, visit our donation page or contact us at info@careforchildren.com. Thank you for giving the gift of family this Christmas.