By Michelle Simon | Project Leader
For children and young people who cannot grow up with their families, having stable care and continued support can make an important difference as they move through childhood and into adulthood.
In 2025, Aldeas Infantiles SOS provided a protective family environment for 1,430 children and adolescents in Spain who had lost parental care. This support was delivered through different forms of care adapted to their circumstances: 897 children and adolescents were supported through family-based care, 433 through residential care programs, 48 in residences for young people under 18, 45 through initial reception and assessment programs, and 7 through specialized programs.
Our work also continues beyond the age of 18. During 2025, Aldeas Infantiles SOS accompanied 1,141 young people after they left the child protection system, supporting them on their path toward independent adulthood and full participation in society.
This continued support is particularly important in the current context. Official data for 2024 show that 55,010 children and adolescents in Spain were subject to child protection measures, an increase of 5.85% compared with the previous year. Residential care accounted for 55% of placements, while family-based care represented 45%.
Young people transitioning out of care also face significant challenges. In 2024, 5,822 young people left the protection system when they turned 18. For the first time, official statistics also recorded the support available after leaving care: 7,815 young people were receiving some form of assistance at the end of the year, including accommodation, financial support, psychological and legal assistance, and employment guidance.
These figures reinforce the importance of both preventing unnecessary family separation and ensuring that children who do enter the protection system can grow up in caring, stable environments. They also highlight the need to remain alongside young people as they take their first steps toward independence.
Through our programs, we continue working so that children and young people receive the care, relationships, and practical support they need at every stage of their journey.
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