The family is the first school of life.
It is where children first learn trust, values and belonging, and where society’s well-being begins.
When families are strong, communities thrive.
When families break down, children, women and society pay the price.
Founded in Chennai in November 1986, SERFAC began as an Asian centre for family studies, created in response to a call from participants at an international family conference held in Madras in 1983. They wanted an institute that could understand family life from an Asian perspective.
Originally named the Service and Research Foundation of Asia on Family and Culture, the organization took its present name, the Service and Research Institute on Family and Children, in 2010.
Today SERFAC serves as a global research centre on family and child policy. It brings together practical service among families in India with research, advocacy and dialogue at the international level.
Four decades of standing with families.
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1983
A call from Madras
Participants at an international family conference held in Madras ask for an institute that could understand family life from an Asian perspective.
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1986
SERFAC is founded
In November 1986, the Service and Research Foundation of Asia on Family and Culture opens in Chennai as an Asian centre for family studies.
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1998
A voice at the United Nations
SERFAC is granted Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
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2010
A new name
The organization becomes the Service and Research Institute on Family and Children.
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2011
25 years, a global conference
SERFAC marks its 25th anniversary with the global conference “In Defence of the Family: Family, Children and Culture” in Bangkok.
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Today
A global research centre
SERFAC joins practical service among families in India with research, advocacy and dialogue at the international level.
A world where every child grows up in a loving, stable family, and where the family is recognized and supported as the heart of humanity and a key partner in sustainable development.
- 1To promote awareness that healthy family life and marriage are society’s most important resource for the well-being of its members, especially children
- 2To uphold the dignity and value of human life at every stage
- 3To research the causes of family breakdown and develop practical, family-centred responses
- 4To build societies founded on justice, integrity, equality and mutual respect between men and women
- 5To advocate for family-friendly policies at national and international levels
A recognized voice for the family, worldwide.
UN ECOSOC
Special Consultative Status since 1998
UN Global Compact
Member of the UN Global Compact Network
International Board
An International Advisory Board of academics and professionals from around the world
Global Conferences
Including the 2011 conference “In Defence of the Family: Family, Children and Culture” in Bangkok, marking SERFAC’s 25th anniversary
Every strong family begins with someone who cares.
Volunteer, partner, donate or simply spread the word — and help build a world where every child grows up in a loving, stable family.