Paraguay’s National Programme for Alternative Care and Adoption, Guardianship Families (Familias de la Guarda), marked its first anniversary on 11 November 2025 in Asunción. The programme celebrated the incorporation of 858 foster and adoptive families. The initiative, backed by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and First Lady Leticia Ocampos, aims to protect vulnerable children. The initiative offers children a safe and loving home.
A year of progress with Guardianship Families
During the anniversary ceremony, Minister for Children and Adolescents Walter Gutiérrez highlighted the programme’s achievements. From 2024, when 9 girls and boys obtained permanent adoption, this accomplishment in 2025 is a success. The Minister explained that the initiative has helped reduce the number of children in residential institutions from 850 to around 580. This shift marks a significant step towards the country’s goal of deinstitutionalising children and placing them in family-based care.
Gutiérrez praised the commitment shown by the programme’s supporters from the outset. The Minister noted that swift political decisions made it possible to allocate resources to a long-neglected area. Therefore, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the protection they deserve. Gutiérrez also emphasised that continued collaboration between the State, families, and society is essential to sustain progress.
Families at the heart of change
Both President Peña and the First Lady expressed gratitude to the more than 850 families who opened their homes to children in need. Ocampos commended their generosity, stressing that many children are now growing up in environments filled with love, safety, and stability.
Peña underscored the vital role of families in addressing wider societal challenges. The president encouraged more Paraguayans to consider fostering or adopting, stating that every citizen can contribute to creating a safer future for children. His message centred on solidarity, humility, and collective responsibility.
Stories of hope and new beginnings
The event also featured testimony from Paul and Milva, a couple who adopted two 14-year-old teenagers, Erika and José. They shared how the decision transformed not only the teenagers’ lives but also their own. Their experience inspired them to call on other families to join the programme, describing adoption as a rewarding and deeply fulfilling journey.
As the Familias de la Guarda programme enters its second year, the Government hopes the growing number of committed families will strengthen Paraguay’s child protection system.
