Straight from the Horse's mouth

What does it mean when someone says, "it takes a village to raise a child"?

It expresses the idea that to raise a child well requires a measure of collective adult responsibility for setting limits and looking after children, regardless of whose children they might be and whether or not the parents are around. It also implies a reciprocal trust of other adults by parents.

Hillary Clinton popularized it by using this in several speeches both while Bill Clinton was in office and now, during her senate career. It is, allegedly, an African probverb - though I'd not put it past Washington spin doctors to 'invent' proverbs as required.

Hillary Clinton actually published a book with the same title. This means I have slandered the spin doctors. HC gives her understanding of the phrase in the introduction to her book:

"I chose that old African proverb to title my book because it offers a timeless reminder that children will thrive only if their families thrive and if the whole of society cares enough to provide for them."