*Oxford, UK:* Social work professional and researcher *Alex Sam* presented his research paper, *“Orphan Care Versus Family Care: An Ideological Study on Children in Orphanages and Foster Care vs Families,”* at the *7th Global Conference on Children and Youth, held from **20 to 22 August 2026 in Oxford, United Kingdom*.
The research presentation brought attention to important questions surrounding orphanhood, child welfare, institutional care, foster care and the role of family-based environments in supporting the healthy development of children.
The conference provided an international platform for researchers, social workers, child-rights professionals, academics and practitioners to exchange research, experiences and ideas related to children and youth. During the event, *Alex Sam, associated with the **International Leadership Development Centre, India*, presented his research before an international audience.
Alex Sam’s study examines the representation of orphanhood in literature while comparing traditional family care, foster care and institutional systems. The research explores how orphaned and vulnerable children have been represented across classical, Victorian and contemporary literature and considers the social and psychological consequences of growing up without a traditional family environment.
A key part of the research focuses on well-known literary characters such as *Oliver Twist, Jane Eyre, Huckleberry Finn and Harry Potter*. Through these examples, the study analyses different experiences of children who grow up outside conventional family structures and examines how literature has shaped wider perceptions of orphanhood and child care.
The research also compares the emotional security associated with home and family environments with institutional and alternative caregiving systems. It critically examines literary and academic perspectives on orphanhood and their connection with wider debates in social policy and child welfare.
During his presentation, Alex Sam highlighted the importance of looking beyond institutional approaches and exploring systems that can provide children with care, stability, emotional support and opportunities for healthy development.
Speaking about the broader significance of research in this area, Alex Sam emphasised that studies concerning children and youth should ultimately contribute to practical and sustainable solutions capable of improving the lives of vulnerable children. He highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches, stronger family support systems and community participation in strengthening child-care and protection mechanisms.
The opportunity to present his research at an international conference in Oxford marks an important professional milestone for Alex Sam and reflects his continuing engagement with research, social work and child welfare issues.
Alex Sam’s work has been associated with advocacy and support for vulnerable and orphaned children through family-based care initiatives. His academic background includes studies in *business administration and social work, while his current academic interests focus on **social work, child welfare and family-based care systems*.
The findings of his research suggest that perceptions of orphanages, foster care and family-based care are shaped not only by social policy but also by cultural and literary narratives. The study highlights the importance of examining how different care environments influence children’s experiences of emotional security, belonging and support.
The *7th Global Conference on Children and Youth* also created an opportunity for participants from different professional and academic backgrounds to discuss emerging challenges affecting children and young people and explore research-driven approaches to child welfare and development.
For Alex Sam, the presentation represents more than an academic achievement. It is also an effort to bring the experiences and concerns of vulnerable children into wider international discussions and encourage practical, evidence-based and sustainable approaches to child welfare.
*Keywords:* Alex Sam, Orphan Care, Family Care, Foster Care, Child Welfare, Social Work, Orphanhood, Children and Youth, Family-Based Care, International Leadership Development Centre.
*Photo Credit: Tanvi Kapoor*