An Update from Kids Alive: Dominican Republic Transition
An Important Update
Kids Alive International is sharing an important update regarding our ministry in the Dominican Republic.
After thoughtful prayer, planning, and conversation, the Dominican Republic leadership team has chosen to transition into their own independent organization. Kids Alive fully blesses this decision and celebrates the growth, stability, and leadership strength the DR team has reached.
Why Kids Alive International and the Dominican Republic Ministries Are Separating
After three decades of faithful partnership, KAI and our Dominican Republic affiliate have reached a point where both organizations can pursue their missions more effectively independently.
In recent years, KAI has increasingly focused on God's call to transform the lives of abused children, their families, and their communities through Gospel-centered trauma recovery, family strengthening, community transformation, and justice initiatives. Meanwhile, the DR ministries have remained deeply committed to God’s calling for them and the mission of transforming lives through holistic Christian education, residential care, healthcare, and discipleship programs.
Recognizing that serving two distinct missions under one organization presents significant challenges, the DR leadership has chosen to form their own organization, and Kids Alive International has agreed to support this transition. We believe both organizations can serve vulnerable children more effectively by focusing resources and messaging around our respective core strengths.
This transition reflects a natural next step for the DR team and will take place over a planned six-month period, with completion expected no later than the end of June 2026.
What This Transition Looks Like
As you can imagine, there are many logistical steps involved in establishing a new independent organization. Throughout this season, it is essential that day-to-day operations continue with stability and care.
Key elements of the transition include:
The Dominican Republic team establishing their own name and independent organizational structure.
All current DR staff remaining in place and continuing their work locally.
All sites and properties transitioning fully to DR ownership.
The creation of a new giving platform for donors who wish to support the DR directly.
A six-month transition timeline, expected to conclude no later than the end of June.
During this time, Kids Alive will continue operating as normal across all countries we serve.
Our Commitment Through the Transition
Our priority remains the same throughout this transition: That the children, family, and staff of Kids Alive International thrive. This priority, now as before, includes the children, families, and staff of the DR programs. Every decision we make will be guided by what best positions Kids Alive International and the new ministry in the DR to thrive.
Throughout the transition period:
Kids Alive will continue to process and pass through all designated gifts to the DR.
Current operations for both Kids Alive and the DR will continue without interruption.
Kids Alive International will remain the point of contact for donors during this season.
All information for supporting the new DR ministry will be provided when available.
A Continued Partnership
We are deeply grateful for the years of shared ministry alongside the Dominican Republic team and consider them lifelong partners and collaborators. While organizational structures may change, our shared commitment to serving children and families remains strong.
We invite our community to:
Pray for wisdom and clarity for both teams during this transition.
Pray for the kids and families connected to the DR programs.
Reach out to our team with any questions or for additional information. kidsalive@kidsalive.org or 1-800-5437-330
We look forward with gratitude for what God has already done and with hope for what lies ahead as the Dominican Republic team steps into this next chapter.
Guatemala City, Guatemala — August 12, 2025 — Kids Alive Guatemala has entered into a new five-year partnership with the Guatemalan Secretary of Social Welfare to strengthen the country’s foster care system and expand family-based care for children.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on August 12, establishes a collaborative framework focused on placing children in safe, nurturing foster families and strengthening national foster care practices. Through this partnership, Kids Alive Guatemala will work alongside the government to support foster families, equip caregivers, and help ensure children experience stability, connection, and belonging while long-term solutions are pursued.
As part of the agreement, Kids Alive Guatemala will work alongside the Secretary of Social Welfare to strengthen foster care across the national system. Through this partnership, Kids Alive Guatemala provides online training to 100% of the families registered in Guatemala’s foster care system and offers close, ongoing accompaniment to a core group of foster families—expanding that group each year. This hands-on casework experience allows Kids Alive Guatemala to walk alongside families throughout the entire foster care process, from awareness and recruitment to placement and long-term support, helping promote stability, continuity, and quality care nationwide.
Strengthening Foster Care Through Training and Support
This partnership builds on Kids Alive Guatemala’s longstanding experience supporting foster families across the country. The organization currently provides a monthly online training program for 70 foster families registered in the national system, covering topics such as Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), caregiver-child connection, health, parenting, and practical strategies for supporting children who have experienced difficult circumstances.
In addition to training, Kids Alive Guatemala offers ongoing accompaniment through social work and psychology services, supporting families before, during, and after placements—even when a child originates from another care setting. Some families have received continuous support for as long as seven years.
Based on this hands-on experience, the Guatemalan government has invited Kids Alive Guatemala to help review and strengthen the national foster care methodology, contributing to continuous improvement at a countrywide level.
A Significant Step for Guatemala’s Child-Protection System
This partnership comes at a critical time for Guatemala’s child-protection landscape. Currently, there are only two nongovernmental organizations supporting the national foster care system, and just 70 foster families are registered nationwide. Of those, 50 currently have children placed with them, with Kids Alive Guatemala directly supporting 13 families.
By equipping caregivers with practical tools and ongoing guidance, Kids Alive Guatemala has helped foster families remain engaged and provide consistent care—strengthening confidence in the foster care model and reducing unnecessary movement for children.
The agreement also reflects growing trust and collaboration between the government and Kids Alive Guatemala, including plans to transition adolescents from state care into family-based or Kids Alive residential environments designed to support healing, education, and community belonging.
A Shared Vision for Children and Families
“Being part of a foster family provides children with a safe and nurturing environment where they can develop emotional stability, receive personalized attention, and form positive bonds,” said Rosalva Alvarado, Kids Alive Guatemala Country Director. “Through this partnership, we are helping ensure children continue their education, remain connected to their communities, and experience meaningful care while long-term solutions are pursued.”
First-Year Goals and Outcomes
During the first year of the agreement, Kids Alive Guatemala and the Secretary of Social Welfare will focus on key outcomes, including:
Providing ongoing support to 20 temporary foster families, increasing from the current 13 families by 2026
Delivering TBRI® training to all 70 foster families currently part of Guatemala’s national foster care system
Providing training and ongoing accompaniment to 100% of the foster families registered in Guatemala’s national foster care system, while expanding direct, hands-on support to additional families each year to strengthen stability and quality of care.
Developing a support network with 15 local churches to help identify potential foster families and mentors
Through this partnership, Kids Alive Guatemala will continue to walk alongside caregivers, children, and government partners—strengthening family-based care and helping create pathways where children can experience safety, connection, and hope.
Reference Links
Access the local Guatemala Secretary of Social Welfare news release around this partnership here.
About Kids Alive International
Kids Alive International is a global non-profit dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families, and advocating for justice. With a presence in seven countries, Kids Alive provides holistic care that addresses not only immediate needs like safety, education, and health, but also the deeper wounds of trauma and sexual abuse.
In Guatemala, the ministry operates under the name Vida Para Niños and is recognized for its leadership in trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and advocacy for children who have suffered sexual abuse or other forms of violence. Through safe homes, foster family programs, counseling, and legal accompaniment, Kids Alive ensures that children are not revictimized by the systems meant to protect them.
The organization is committed to advancing systemic change by working with courts, governments, and local partners to embed “Justice that Heals” into legal processes. This includes creating safe spaces within court systems, training judicial personnel in child-sensitive practices, and walking with families as they pursue reconciliation and restoration.
Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. Kids Alive International is devoted to making that a reality, combining compassionate care with courageous advocacy to defend the most vulnerable and restore hope for future generations.
Inspired to be part of this movement for justice that heals? Learn more and explore ways to get involved at www.kidsalive.org/ways-to-give.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about news stories like this one, please contact us at news@kidsalive.org.
LANSING, MI — November 17, 2025 — Kids Alive International hosted its national Night of Justice event on Friday night at Grewal Hall, gathering advocates, legal professionals, donors, and community leaders from across the country to spotlight a growing movement of justice, trauma-informed care, and long-term healing for girls in Guatemala who have survived severe domestic sexual violence.
Keynote Speakers Underscore the Importance of Expanding Justice Work
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina—known globally for her unwavering advocacy for survivors—commended Kids Alive’s holistic, healing-centered approach, saying:
“Kids Alive not only shows the kids that they matter and helps them in every way, but they teach them about a new way of life that is positive, joyous, and fulfilled.” — Judge Rosemarie Aquilina
Coach Valerie Condos-Field, a seven-time NCAA National Champion and widely recognized leadership voice, encouraged attendees to rally behind the expansion of the Justice Center model:
“I don’t think it will be hard to get one of these centers built in this country at all. I know that the number one mission for the current staff at Kids Alive is to get the word out there and let people know the amazing work that they are doing.” — Coach Val
Event Sponsors Recognized for Their Partnership
Kids Alive International also expressed deep appreciation for the event’s sponsors, whose partnership made the Night of Justice possible. Grewal Law PLLC, Morton’s Fine Catering, Reeder Pianos, Inc., Cube Mobile Imaging, Grewal Hall at 224, and Custom Built Design & Remodeling were recognized for their generous support and commitment to expanding trauma-informed services for girls in Guatemala. Their investment strengthens survivor-focused programs and helps advance the launch of a second Justice Center—ensuring more girls have access to safety, healing, and restored dignity.
Advancing a Second Justice Center in Guatemala
This year’s Night of Justice marked a significant milestone for Kids Alive’s work in Guatemala. Through the generosity of attendees and partners, the organization is moving forward with establishing a second Justice Center—a critical step in expanding capacity, strengthening coordinated response, and ensuring more survivors have access to comprehensive, trauma-informed care.
The event also took a major step forward in funding the new Guatemala Justice Center. To date, the Night of Justice has raised more than $234,000, with efforts ongoing to secure the full investment needed to launch and sustain the center. These funds directly support expanding trauma-informed services, increasing clinical and legal capacity, and ensuring more girls have access to long-term safety, care, and restored dignity. If individuals or organizations would like to further support the launch of the new Justice Center, contributions can be made at: kidsalive.org/night-of-justice-111425-giving
Kids Alive Guatemala (Vida Para Niños) works in close partnership with local judges, courts, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each girl is supported with:
“Justice that heals is possible—when we do this work together,” said Corbey Dukes, President & CEO of Kids Alive International. “We’re grateful for the leaders who stood with us tonight and for every partner helping us expand the Justice Center model to reach more girls who deserve safety, dignity, and hope."
About Kids Alive International
Kids Alive International is a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families, and advocating for justice. With a presence in seven countries, Kids Alive provides holistic, trauma-informed care that integrates safety, education, health, and therapeutic support to address both immediate needs and the deeper wounds of trauma.
Through innovative programs in Restorative Education, Protective Care, Family Strengthening, and Justice Advocacy, Kids Alive equips children and families with the tools, relationships, and long-term support they need to thrive. The organization partners with local professionals, community leaders, and government systems to ensure every child is treated with dignity and has the opportunity to experience hope, healing, and a restored future.
For more information about Kids Alive international or to join the mission, visit: kidsalive.org.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about news stories like this one, please contact us at: news@kidsalive.org.
Alpharetta, Georgia – June 12, 2025 — Kids Alive International has been awarded a grant from the MIGMIR Fund to support the creation of seven trauma-informed, child-friendly court facilities throughout Guatemala.
The grant will fund the remodeling of Peace, Juvenile, and Femicide Courts to create safe, welcoming environments where children and families can participate in legal processes with dignity and protection. This initiative is part of Kids Alive’s ongoing Justice Advocacy program in Guatemala, which partners with local courts and communities to strengthen systemic responses to violence, especially sexual abuse and exploitation.
“This generous investment from the MIGMIR Fund will accelerate our vision of transforming Guatemala’s justice system into one that reflects compassion, safety, and healing for children and families,” said Corbey Dukes, President and CEO of Kids Alive International. “Each court space we renovate will stand as a testimony to what restorative justice can look like — where truth can be told, trauma can be met with care, and hope can begin to take root.”
Transforming Justice Through Safe Spaces
Across Guatemala, children and young adults who have experienced sexual abuse or violence are often required to testify in formal, intimidating court environments. Kids Alive’s work in partnership with local judicial authorities has already shown that child-friendly and family-safe spaces — rooms equipped with calming colors, toys, comfortable seating, and trauma-informed design — help reduce fear and prevent re-traumatization.
The MIGMIR grant will enable Kids Alive Guatemala (locally known as Vida Para Niños) to expand this initiative to seven additional court facilities across five municipalities, including Escuintla, La Gomera, Tiquisate, Palín, and Puerto de Iztapa. Each remodeled space will include private waiting areas, secure interview rooms, and environments that encourage emotional safety and trust.
A Model for Healing Justice
The vision behind these new child-friendly court spaces is inspired by the first video testimonial room (Gesell Chamber), that Kids Alive helped build in Peru. Featured in our short video story, this groundbreaking space allows children who have experienced abuse to share their stories in privacy and safety, supported by trained professionals and observed remotely by judicial personnel.
This model—designed to prevent re-traumatization and uphold the dignity of survivors—has become a powerful example of what trauma-informed justice can look like. The same principles are now guiding Kids Alive’s efforts in Guatemala, where each remodeled court facility will serve as a safe, healing environment for children and families seeking justice and restoration.
Building Systemic Change
Beyond physical renovations, the grant will fund training for at least 50 judges, clerks, and court staff in trauma-informed care and child protection, strengthening the national capacity to handle cases of abuse and violence with empathy and excellence.
“These spaces are more than rooms,” said Rosalva Alvarado, National Director of Kids Alive Guatemala (Vida Para Niños). “They represent an invitation to change the experience of justice — for children to feel safe when telling their stories and for families to experience dignity, reconciliation, and restoration in the process."
Through this project, Kids Alive will also host community outreach events that promote prevention and education around child protection and family strengthening, ensuring that the impact extends beyond the courtroom and into the community.
Faith in Action: Justice that Heals
Rooted in Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed,” Kids Alive’s global mission integrates faith and evidence-based care to bring hope and healing to children who have endured trauma. This grant directly advances the organization’s Justice that Heals initiative — a framework that unites legal advocacy, psychosocial support, and discipleship to address both the personal and systemic dimensions of injustice.
A Shared Vision for Restoration
The MIGMIR Fund partners with faith-based organizations around the world that demonstrate integrity, sustainability, and deep impact in the lives of those they serve. Its support of Kids Alive reflects a shared vision for holistic restoration — one that meets both the spiritual and practical needs of children and families.
“The MIGMIR Fund is honored to partner with Kids Alive International in supporting the remodeling of Peace, Juvenile, and Femicide Courts in Guatemala. This transformative effort reflects our shared commitment to be the hands and feet of Christ—bringing restoration, dignity, and hope to children and families impacted by sexual abuse and injustice. We believe that justice and compassion must walk hand in hand, and we are proud to stand with Kids Alive International to strengthen systems that protect the most vulnerable through effective strategies that nurture spiritual and physical flourishing.” - Kristin Smith, Sr. Program Officer and Board Member, MIGMIR Foundation
About Kids Alive International
Kids Alive International is a global non-profit dedicated to protecting children, strengthening families, and advocating for justice. With a presence in seven countries, Kids Alive provides holistic care that addresses immediate needs such as safety, education, and health, while also confronting the deeper wounds of trauma and abuse.
In Guatemala, Kids Alive operates under the name Vida Para Niños and is recognized for its leadership in trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. Through safe homes, foster family programs, counseling, and legal accompaniment, Kids Alive ensures that children are protected, empowered, and treated with dignity.
The organization’s Justice Advocacy Program works in partnership with national courts, government agencies, and local communities to integrate trauma-informed, Christ-centered care into legal and social systems. Each project reflects the ministry’s unwavering belief that every child is seen and loved by God and deserves to live free from fear, abuse, and exploitation.
Inspired to be part of this movement for justice that heals? Learn more and explore ways to get involved at www.kidsalive.org/ways-to-give.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about news stories like this one, please contact us at news@kidsalive.org.
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