New Partnership - Peru’s National Prosecutor’s Office
January 11th, 2026 — Lima, Peru — Kids Alive Peru (Niños a la Vida), has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Peru, marking the first national-level cooperation agreement between Kids Alive and Peru’s Prosecutor’s Office.
This two-year agreement establishes a framework for collaboration focused on strengthening institutional capacity, improving investigative processes, and expanding specialized tools that support children involved in sexual violence cases—particularly during judicial and forensic procedures.
“This agreement represents a pivotal step forward in our shared commitment to protecting children and strengthening justice systems,” said Corbey Dukes, President & CEO of Kids Alive International. “By formalizing this partnership at the national level, we are creating space for deeper collaboration, better tools, and more consistent child-centered practices that honor the dignity and voice of every child.”
Formalized in Lima, the MOU was signed by César Augusto Enríquez Gutiérrez, General Manager of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and Marlene Arroyo Mestanza, Country Director of Kids Alive Peru (Niños a la Vida).
A Strategic Step Forward for Child-Centered Justice
Through this MOU, Kids Alive Peru and the Public Prosecutor’s Office will work together in several key areas:
Collaboration in the prosecution of cases involving sexual violence against children, sharing experience and best practices
Donation, installation, training, and accompaniment in the use of video testimony rooms (Gesell Chambers) for child victims and witnesses, beginning in Pucallpa, Andahuaylas, and Lima
Specialized training and capacity-building for prosecutors and forensic professionals, with a focus on child-sensitive practices
Joint awareness campaigns and academic events that promote prevention, victims’ rights, and improved access to justice
For Kids Alive Peru, this agreement builds on years of hands-on collaboration with justice system actors and allows that work to move forward in a more formal and sustainable way.
“The Public Prosecutor’s Office is a key strategic partner for us,” said Marlene Arroyo Mestanza, Country Director of Kids Alive Peru. “This agreement opens new doors to work together in training, prevention, and the responsible handling of cases involving children. We are encouraged by the openness and shared vision demonstrated through this partnership and look forward to the impact it will have across the country.”
Strengthening Systems That Protect Children
A critical component of this agreement includes close coordination with the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, which operates under the Prosecutor’s Office. This collaboration helps ensure investigative and testimonial processes are handled in ways that reduce additional harm and prioritize the well-being of children.
The Prosecutor’s Office has emphasized the urgent need for functional and well-equipped video testimony rooms, as well as continued professional training. These tools are essential to ensuring children can share their testimony in safe, appropriate settings within the justice system.
By allowing Kids Alive Peru to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support in an official capacity, the MOU strengthens institutional response and reinforces shared accountability across systems designed to protect children.
Seeing the Impact in Practice
As part of this collaboration, Kids Alive Peru will expand the use of video testimony rooms designed to help children share their testimony in safe, child-sensitive environments. These spaces play a critical role in reducing additional harm during legal proceedings.
This short video offers a glimpse into one of the video testimony rooms Kids Alive has already helped establish—illustrating how thoughtful design, trained professionals, and child-centered processes come together to support children within the justice system.
Looking Ahead
This cooperation agreement paves the way for future joint programs and projects that strengthen protection, expand access to justice, and improve institutional responses for children and women affected by sexual violence. It reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, professional excellence, and systems that place children at the center.
Kids Alive International is a global organization committed to walking alongside children and families through prevention, advocacy, and care. Founded in 1916, Kids Alive partners with local communities, governments, and institutions to strengthen systems that protect children and support long-term healing.
In Peru, Kids Alive operates through Niños a la Vida, working in close collaboration with justice system partners to support children affected by sexual violence. Through legal advocacy, therapeutic care, and capacity-building with professionals, Kids Alive Peru helps create safer pathways for children to access justice while prioritizing dignity, restoration, and hope.
Across all the countries where Kids Alive serves, the organization remains focused on building sustainable, locally led solutions that protect children, strengthen families, and contribute to healthier communities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
%20(1).jpg)
.jpg)
%20(1000%20x%201000%20px).png)
