For normal personality development, the child must grow up within the family, in a harmonious environment, where he must be cared for and protected.
A loving family helps the child to form a secure base and sense of belonging, in addition to developing social skills, to face the vicissitudes of life in a satisfactory way.
Growing up and living without a family is a risk factor for vulnerability.

What is the Difference between a vulnerable child and an orphan?

Vulnerable child
It is one that is in a condition of total exposure and lack of protection to social risks and their impacts, which include all types of violence, health problems, difficulties in making a living, limitations in all areas of life necessary to their growth.
This condition is generally caused by several factors, including:
- The loss of emotional relationships in childhood;
- Removal from childhood home;
- Altered pattern of family relationships in childhood;
- Loss of self-esteem;
- Problems related to sexual, physical and psychological abuse;
What has the consequence:
Behavioral disorder and emotional disorders;

Orphan child
Refers to a minor who has lost one or both parents. This condition is caused by the death of the father, mother or both, by the parents' inability to care for them, or by abandonment or rejection by their parents.
This situation has the consequence:
- Emotional instability;;
- Lack of parental support that generates emotional problems;
- Abuse and exposure to social hazards – trafficking, abuse, discrimination;
- Delay in physical, cognitive and social development;
An orphan child becomes a social orphan when he or she is abandoned or neglected by his or her family, thus becoming a vulnerable child.

What are the needs of vulnerable children?

- Financial assistance;
- Medical assistance;
- Housing and psychosocial support;
- Comfortable and safe environment.

What are the Support Channels?

Vulnerability
Fala Criança Line (Free) - 116
- Child victim of violence, trafficking, exploitation, kidnapping;
- Child witnesses criminal acts;
- Child involved in criminal acts;
- Violence inside and outside the family;
- Sexual abuse and exploitation;
- Negligence;
- Abandonment;
- Labor exploitation.

Orphans
In cases where it can be confirmed that the orphan child has no support ability, you can contact the administrative services for gender, children and social action and request a (certificate of poverty)
- Education
- Family group in a situation of poverty and social vulnerability
- Basic Health and Wellbeing