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Though known widely for adoption, Holt International Children's Services serves a much larger number of children through programs that help families stay together, return children to birth families, and place homeless children with adoptive families in their birth countries.

Holt's first priority for a homeless or at-risk child is to preserve his or her birth family. When it is not possible or in the best interest of the child to preserve the birth family, Holt tries to place the child with adoptive parents-first in the child's country of birth and second in another country. When it is not possible to place the child with a permanent family, Holt provides assistance for the most family-like environment possible (e.g., long-term foster care).

Out of respect for the people of the countries in which we work, Holt develops and supports independent partner agencies overseas with indigenous staff who know their country best. Through these agencies Holt provides services designed to meet the particular needs of children in each country. Holt's commitment goes beyond the meeting of crisis needs. Holt also works with government agencies to develop systemic solutions and child welfare practices that serve the best interests of children.

Founders Harry and Bertha Holt were inspired by their faith in Jesus Christ when they established Holt International. Out of this foundation of faith flow the principles upon which Holt serves:

• A belief in the preciousness of every child as a person and a gift of God;
• A belief in the essential role of the family in nurturing children;
• A belief in the validity of adoption, that the bonds of adoption deserve the same honor and legal force as a birth relationship;
• A belief in the value of every person we serve or serve alongside regardless of their faith, and a commitment to love all as God would have us love our neighbors, honoring their cultures and ethnic distinctions;
• A commitment to conduct our services and operate our programs at the highest standard of ethics and integrity.

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