Oxford, UK: Social work professional and researcher Alex Sam presented his research paper, “Orphan Care Versus Family Care: An Ideological Study on Children in Orphanages and Foster Care vs Families,” at the 7th Global Conference on Children and Youth, held from 20 to 22 August 2026 in Oxford, United Kingdom.
The presentation focused on orphanhood, child welfare, foster care, institutional care and the importance of family-based environments in children’s emotional and social development.
Alex Sam, associated with the International Leadership Development Centre, India, presented his research before an international gathering of academics, social workers, child-rights professionals and practitioners.
His study examines how orphanhood has been portrayed in literature and compares family care, foster care and institutional caregiving. The research explores representations of vulnerable children in classical, Victorian and contemporary literature while considering the social and psychological challenges faced by children growing up outside traditional family settings.
The study refers to literary characters including Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre, Huckleberry Finn and Harry Potter to examine different experiences of children raised without conventional family structures. These literary examples are used to understand how cultural narratives influence perceptions of orphanhood and alternative care.
Alex Sam also examined the relationship between emotional security, belonging and family environments, comparing these factors with experiences associated with institutional and alternative caregiving systems.
During the conference presentation, he highlighted the need to consider approaches that can provide children with stability, emotional support, meaningful relationships and opportunities for healthy development. He also emphasised the value of evidence-based child welfare practices and stronger community and family support mechanisms.
The presentation reflects Alex Sam’s continuing professional interest in social work, child welfare and family-based care. His academic background includes business administration and social work, with his current interests centred on vulnerable children and child-care systems.
According to the broader perspective presented in the study, attitudes toward orphanages, foster care and family-based care are influenced by both social policies and cultural narratives. Understanding these influences can contribute to more informed discussions about children’s emotional security, belonging and long-term development.
The 7th Global Conference on Children and Youth brought together participants from different academic and professional backgrounds to discuss research, challenges and emerging approaches related to children and young people.
For Alex Sam, presenting the research at an international conference in Oxford represents a significant professional milestone and an opportunity to contribute to wider discussions surrounding vulnerable children, family care and child welfare.
Keywords: Alex Sam, Orphan Care, Family Care, Foster Care, Child Welfare, Social Work, Orphanhood, Children and Youth, Family-Based Care, International Leadership Development Centre.
Photo Credit: Tanvi Kapoor
