Family Health International (FHI) developed these standards to help optimize the outcomes of programs and services for OVC. The standards reflect the active role that families, communities, and children themselves should play in the development and implementation of programs. They also reflect the comprehensiveness needed in OVC programming. Implementing partners in all FHI-supported programs for OVC will apply these standards. The standards define a common level of quality for OVC programs and aid FHI in building the capacity of its partners to provide a minimum level of quality care to OVC.

The standards have been classified into nine areas of support: cross-cutting issues; care coordination; health; food and nutrition; education; psychosocial support; shelter and care; protection; and household economic strengthening. These areas respond to the basic needs and human rights of children and are also aligned with the core areas of support for OVC programs established by the U.S. Government.