IFCO promotes family-based solutions for out-of home children based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by:

• Enabling the exchange of information among persons and organisations of different nations
• Promoting Foster Care as an important type of family-based care
• Organizing International Conferences and Training Seminars
• Consultation
• Networking
• Publications
• Assistance

IFCO Core Value Statement
FCO believes that foster care must be an inclusive teamwork effort between the carers, social workers, the placing agency, the birth parent, the child/young person and others who contribute to the child's welfare.

• Respect for diversity is essential.
• Experience must be valued and individual and organisational strengths should be capitalised upon.
• The organisation should be open to new ideas.
• The IFCO Board has a collective responsibility for stewardship.
• Care should be child-centred and family focused.