The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya categorizes "orphans" in three ways. Because the need is so great and parents die so quickly, this helps the ELCK implement service to the current situation of a child as well as the future reality of impending deaths and spread of HIV\AIDS.

Category 1 - Children with no parents

Category 2 - Children with one parent living

Category 3 - Children with two parents living, but who are infected with HIV.

This identification process helps parents and extended families plan for the sorrowful future of funerals and care for the children left behind.