There are several ways an orphan might come to MercyLine:
- The government welfare department might recommend placement of the child.
- Guardians or relatives of missing or deceased parents may seek placement.
- MercyLine might identify orphans during home visits.
- Children are referred by other care-giving institutions or by church pastors.
- Children might be found abandoned on the street.
MercyLine makes every effort to identify and support relatives who could care for the child in question. Sometimes financial assistance is given for food or school fees in an effort to keep the child in a home situation. When it is not possible for a child to stay in the home of a relative or guardian, the child is cared for at the MercyLine Children’s Home or in the home of a nearby foster family who often receives financial support from MercyLine to aid with food and school expenses.