Estimated read time: 3 minutes
Overview
The Circles of Care model helps us understand how children are meant to be supported — and where breakdowns often occur.
It visually represents the relationships between a child, their family, The Church, and the broader community. When these circles are connected, children thrive. When gaps form between them, children and families can become isolated.
CarePortal exists to help close those gaps by strengthening connections around vulnerable children and families.
Intended audience
Included in this article
What are the Circles of Care?
The Circles of Care is a visual model that shows how children are meant to be supported.
At the center is the child — innocent, vulnerable, and deserving of protection and care.
Surrounding the child are three connected circles:
Family — biological, kinship, foster, or adoptive caregivers who serve as the child’s primary champions.
Church — the local body of believers who strengthen and support families.
Community — givers, buyers, and goers who help accelerate impact and expand capacity.
When these circles are aligned and connected, children are surrounded by stability, dignity, and support.
The model also reveals what happens when gaps form between these circles — and why connection matters.
Current reality
At the center of the Circles of Care graphic is the vulnerable child.
The first circle surrounding the child is the family. This includes biological, kinship, foster, or adoptive caregivers. These are the primary champions of the child. Sometimes, families face hardship or lack the resources needed to provide stability.
The second circle represents The Local Church. When the local church steps in with support, families are strengthened and better able to care for their children.
The third and outer circle represents the active community. These are the givers, buyers, and goers who help accelerate impact. Every time you respond to a need through CarePortal, you help wrap support around vulnerable children and families.
Biblical model
In the biblical vision, there are no gaps between the circles.
God’s design is for a child to be raised in a family, surrounded by a supportive Church and community. The circles are connected and unified.
However, because of brokenness in the world, gaps often exist. Children may become separated from their families. Churches may be unaware of struggling families in their communities. Community members may try to serve outside of the church rather than alongside it.
These gaps weaken the system of care.
Our goal: close the gaps!
CarePortal exists to close those gaps.
Through Care-Sharing, connections are created around isolated children and families. Caseworkers identify needs. Those needs are shared in real time with local Churches and community members. Churches remain the direct Point of Care, responding personally and relationally.
When families, Churches, and communities work together, a healthier system of care is formed.
Connection restores alignment. Connection changes outcomes.
Comments
1 comment
Very informative and to the point.
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