## **HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES IN THE YEAR 5 April 23 – 5 April 24**
Between April 2023 and April 2024, FAM made significant strides in various areas, with a clear focus on child protection, family strengthening, education, and community development. One of the core achievements was the implementation of initiatives designed to prevent or alleviate poverty and financial hardship. FAM provided critical support to individuals through education, training, healthcare, and all necessary resources aimed at enabling self-sufficiency. A notable success within this scope was the Women's Economic Empowerment Program, which assisted 35 women and their accompanying children. These women, referred by partners and identified as at risk of family separation due to poverty, participated in an intensive business training course, received a basic living allowance, and benefited from individualized economic coaching. They were also provided with small business start-ups, ranging from poultry farming to small-scale retail ventures like selling second-hand clothes, shoes, vegetables, and even sewing and hairdressing services. A newly recruited project manager ensured the project’s smooth operation, making it a highly successful and sustainable family-strengthening program. As a result, children were able to remain with their birth families, and FAM’s social work team continued to support these families as they led successful, independent lives.
In terms of education, FAM responded to the alarming statistics that 1 in 4 Malagasy adults are illiterate and 66% of children never finish primary
school. The high dropout rate in secondary education is due to the fact that education is only free for primary school children, and many young adults are expected to help with family farming rather than pursue further education. Between April 2023 and April 2024, FAM sponsored 30 vulnerable children, covering their school fees, uniforms, and equipment. Additionally, 35 women participated in small business training, as well as specialized training in areas such as sewing, hairdressing, urban farming, and retail, empowering them with valuable skills for sustainable livelihoods.
FAM also made notable achievements in advocating for national governmental support and fostering international networks. Building on previous years’ efforts for national childcare reform, FAM achieved significant breakthroughs. These included advancing discussions with the Ministry of Justice on establishing a gatekeeping service at the court level and creating foster care provisions through legally acceptable “trusted families.” FAM also gained strong support from the Martin James Foundation for its project proposal. Furthermore, partnerships with local organizations, such as Akany Avoko and an adoption center, were strengthened, along with new collaborations with the Embassy of Monaco and the French Embassy in Madagascar. FAM’s visibility in-country grew, with the National Director participating in a special news report on the work of GTSM, the national syndicate of social workers.
Internationally, FAM became part of broader networks advocating for deinstitutionalization, including Transform Alliance Africa. The Country Director also participated in a specialized Training of Trainers (ToT) program in Uganda, focusing on the transitioning model for child protection. This program brought together experts to enhance skills and knowledge on implementing effective strategies for transitioning children from institutional care to family-based care. A key development was the
launch of the Trusted Families initiative, supported by the Martin James Foundation. This groundbreaking program prioritizes safe and nurturing family-based care for vulnerable children, ensuring their well-being and long-term development. By working with local communities and leveraging international expertise, the initiative aims to create sustainable solutions that strengthen family systems and provide every child the opportunity to grow up in a loving and supportive environment.
## **The Future Vision for FAM Madagascar: Advancing Family Reintegration and Deinstitutionalization**
FAM Madagascar is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and supportive family environment. Our vision is deeply rooted in the principles of family-based care, deinstitutionalization, and sustainable reintegration practices. By fostering partnerships with local communities, stakeholders, and the government, we aim to transform Madagascar’s child welfare landscape to prioritize the best interests of children. This document outlines our aspirations and strategies for achieving these critical goals.
## **1. Promoting Family Reintegration**
Family reintegration lies at the heart of our mission. Many children in institutional care in Madagascar have living relatives who, with adequate support, can provide loving and stable homes. Our vision includes expanding programs that:
- Assess and strengthen the capacity of families to care for their children.
- Coninue to provide psychosocial support and economic assistance to ensure sustainable reintegration.
- Better equip caregivers with parenting skills and access to essential resources.
Through collaborative efforts, we will establish reintegration frameworks that not only reunite families but also prevent re-separation, ensuring long-term success.
## **2. Advancing Deinstitutionalization**
The process of deinstitutionalization is pivotal for reshaping child protection systems in Madagascar. Our vision encompasses:
- Gradually phasing out institutional care by transitioning children to family-based environments.
- Collaborating with care institutions to repurpose their roles as community resource centers.
- Raising public awareness about the adverse effects of institutional care on child development.
By addressing systemic challenges and providing viable alternatives, we aim to reduce reliance on institutional care and promote family-first solutions.
## **3. Engaging the Government**
FAM Madagascar recognizes the crucial role of government leadership in driving sustainable change. Our vision includes actively partnering with government authorities to:
- Develop and implement national policies that prioritize family-based care and deinstitutionalization.
- Strengthen child protection frameworks to ensure adherence to international standards.
- Facilitate capacity-building programs for social workers and other child protection professionals.
Through advocacy and technical support, we aspire to position the government as a central actor in championing child welfare reforms.
## **4. Expanding Family-Based Care**
Family-based care models provide children with the stability and emotional support necessary for their growth. We aim to scale up initiatives such as Trusted Families to:
- Identify and train families willing to offer temporary or permanent care for children in need.
- Build robust support systems to ensure the well-being of both the children and the caregivers.
- Promote community involvement in creating a culture that values and supports family-based care.
By emphasizing the importance of family environments, we seek to ensure that every child has a chance to thrive.
## **5. The Trusted Families Initiative**
The Trusted Families program is a cornerstone of our vision. With the backing of key partners such as the Martin James Foundation and the French Embassy, this initiative aims to:
Recruit and prepare families to care for children in emergency and longterm situations.
Develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure high standards of care.
Foster a network of trusted families that can serve as role models for others.
Through this program, we envision creating a national movement that underscores the importance of community responsibility in child protection.
## **CONCLUSION**
FAM Madagascar’s future vision is ambitious yet achievable with the collective efforts of all stakeholders. By focusing on family reintegration, advancing deinstitutionalization, empowering the government to take a leadership role, and scaling up family-based care initiatives, we can ensure that no child is left without the love and support of a family. Together, we can transform Madagascar’s child protection system and create a brighter future for its most vulnerable children.
## **FAMINTERNATIONAL**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (including income and expenditure account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2024**
|Notes
**INCOME**
Donations and Legacies
1
Income from Charitable Activities
**TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES**
**EXPENDITURE**
**EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES:**
Charitable Activities
2, 2-1
Trustee Remuneration
3
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE)**
**AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**FOR THE YEAR**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total Funds Brought Forward
4
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted
Funds
£
14,930
-
**14,930**
23,021
-
**23,021**
**(8,091)**
Unrestricted
Funds
£
15,556
**7,465**|Restricted
Funds
£
41,140
-
**41,140**
45,345
-
**45,345**
**(4,205)**
Restricted
Funds
£
6,489
**2,284**|2024
Total
£
56,070
-
**56,070**
68,366
-
**68,366**
**(12,296)**
2024
Total
£
22,045
**9,749**|2023
Total
£
54,259
-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**54,259**
53,714
-|
|||||**53,714**|
|||||**545**
2023
Total
£
21,500|
|||||**22,045**|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
## **FAMINTERNATIONAL**
## **BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2024**
|Notes
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
Cash at Bank
6
**Total CURRENT ASSETS**
**CREDITORS:**
Amounts falling due within one year
**NET ASSETS**
**THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY:**
Unrestricted funds
4 (a)
Restricted funds
4 (b)
**TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS**|2024
2023
£
£
-
-
9,749
22,045
9,749
22,045
-
-
**9,749**
**22,045**
7,465
15,556
2,284
6,489
**9,749**
**22,045**|
|---|---|
Accounts Approved by the Trustees on 26/01/2025
## **Signed on behalf of the Trustees**
Signature
Mrs Trinity Park (Treasurer)
## **FAMINTERNATIONAL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5TH APRIL 2024**
## **1. VOLUNTARY INCOME**
|Donations and gifts - General Income
Donations and gifts - Restricted Income
Income from Charitable activities
**2. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**
Direct costs of projects**5/ 5.1**
Support costs**-2.1**
TOTAL|2024
2023
£
£
14,930
20,110
41,140
34,149
-
56,070
54,259
2024
2023
£
£
61,817
52,826
6,549
888
68,366
53,714|
|---|---|
## **2.1 ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS**
|Bank Charges|201|
|---|---|
|Admin, Postage, Sundries|884|
|Memberships, speaking engagements|963|
|Vehicle Costs|4,500|
|**Total Support Costs**|**6,549**|
## **3. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION**
The trustees did not receive any emoluments or reimbursed expenses during the year.
## **FAMINTERNATIONAL**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 5th April 2024**
## **4. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS**
|**4. MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**(a) Unrestricted funds:**
General reserve
**(b) Restricted funds:**
Martin James Foundation|Balance
05/04/2023
£
15,556
6,489
**22,045**|Income
Expenditure
£
£
14,930
23,021
41,140
45,345
**56,070**
**68,366**|Transfers
£
-
-
**-**|Balance
05/04/2024
£
7,465
2,284|
|||||**9,749**|
## **5. Martin James Foundation:**
A fund for initiating foster care and Ensuring Children Stay in Families (Gate Keeping).
## **5.1 Other Projects:**
Family Preservation to prevent Child Abandonment.
**(45,345) (16,472)**
## **6. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS**
|Cash at Bank
Debtors|Restricted
Funds
£
2,284
-
**2,284**|Unrestricted
Funds
£
7,465
-
**7,465**|Total
£
9,749
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**9,749**|
## **7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION**
During the year, a related party transaction was entered into between FAM International and FAM Madagascar. A car owned by John Butlin, a trustee of the charity, was sold to the charity, FAM Madagascar for £4,500.
27th January 2025
FamInterna�onal 4 Livingstone Road Christchurch BH23 1HL
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS**
## **Report to trustees of FamInterna�onl, on accounts for the year ended 5[th] April 2024**
## **Respec�ve responsibili�es of Trustees and examiner**
The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under sec�on 144(2) of the Chari�es Act 2011 (the Act)) and that an independent examina�on is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- Examine the accounts (under sec�on 145 of the Act);
- To follow the procedures laid down in the General Direc�ons given by the Charity Commission (under sec�on 145(5)(b) of the Act), and
- To state whether par�cular ma4ers have come to my a4en�on.
## **Basis of independent examiner’s statement**
My examina�on was carried out in accordance with General Direc�ons given by the Charity Commission. An examina�on includes a review of the accoun�ng records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considera�on of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explana�ons from you as trustees concerning any such ma4ers. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those ma4ers set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
In the course of my examina�on, no ma4er has come to my a4en�on:
1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that:
- a. Proper accoun�ng records are kept (in accordance with sec�on 41 of the Act); and
- b. Accounts are prepared which agree with the accoun�ng records and comply with the accoun�ng requirements of the Act; or
2. To which, in my opinion, a4en�on should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed… _SueW_ ……… Date… 27/1/2025…..
Sue Wintle ACIE Associa�on of Charity Independent Examiners 27 Basco4 Road Bournemouth Dorset BH11 8RJ