Distrito Federal program supports over 200 children orphaned by femicide

The Acolher Eles e Elas program, created by the Government of Brazil's Distrito Federal in December 2023, provides financial and psychosocial assistance to children and adolescents who lost their mothers to femicide. By May 2024 the initiative had helped 217 young people, with 194 active registrations, delivering a stipend equal to one minimum wage per child and ongoing psychological counseling.

More than R$ 6.5 million has been invested in the scheme. Beneficiaries are mainly aged 7‑12 (69 children), with additional adolescents (62), young adults (38) and younger children (25). Most legal guardians are grandparents (67 cases), followed by non‑perpetrating parents, aunts, siblings and other relatives. The program exits participants when they reach the age limit of 22 or move out of the Federal District. A highlighted case follows Joana Maria da Silva Lopes, who, after her daughter was killed, receives the stipend for her two grandchildren (aged 3 and 5) and psychological support, citing the aid as essential for basic needs.