Child Rights, Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Development Programming

 Introduction Children without parental care find solace in family-based alternative care, including adoption, foster care, kinship care, or Kafalah.  Unfortunately, the availability of these options is not always available and often hindered by limited resources or an inadequate care system.  As a result, many children end up in institutional care, raising countless safeguarding concerns.  Similarly, family-based alternatives like kinship care demand equal attention to protection and safeguarding. In this article, we delve into the critical aspects of assessing, implementing, and enhancing safeguarding measures for children placed in alternative care settings. Assessing Protection and Safeguarding Issues: Before, During, and After Placement   Before Placement Before a child is placed in alternative care, a comprehensive assessment is crucial.  This involves conducting thorough background checks on prospective caregivers, visiting their homes to e...

According to the National Care Reform Strategy for Children in Kenya 2022 - 2032 , the strategy will require an estimated KES 6.5 billion over the next 10 years to implement. The strategy aims to prevent unnecessary family separation, promote family and community-based care, and ensure quality standards and monitoring of alternative care services for children. Some of the key components of the strategy include strengthening the child protection system , developing a national case management system , expanding social protection programmes , enhancing family support services , and improving data collection and analysis . The strategy also acknowledges the need to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children on the move , such as refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. These children face increased risks of abuse, exploitation, violence, and separation from their families. The strategy was developed with the support of UNICEF and a multi-...

 Section 28 (1) of the Children Act 2022: Are Children's Rights to Assemble, Picket, and Air their Views Implementable in Kenya?" Source:Pinterest The recent enactment of the Children Act 2022 in Kenya marked a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights of children. However, as we celebrate this achievement, it is crucial to assess whether the implementation of the Act's provisions aligns with the spirit and intent of empowering children to exercise their rights. In particular, Section 28 (1) of the Children Act 2022 (being one of newest addition into the Act) grants children the right to assemble, picket, and air their views, deserves closer reflection in light of the prevailing circumstances in Kenya. I am compelled to reflect on the challenges children might face in exercising this fundamental right and wonder the impact of restricted civil liberties on their perception of their own rights. Ensuring Consistency with Constitutional Provisions: It is perplexin...

  Source:Pinterest Is Kenya's implementation process of care reform adequately prepared to cater for children with disabilities?  Despite conducting a population census every ten years, Kenya lacks clarity on the categorization and inclusion of children in residential care. The census reports do not provide data on institutionalized children, making it challenging to account for them accurately. Interestingly, the country still remains largely unaware of the actual number of vulnerable children in institutionalized or non-institutionalized settings, despite regular population and household census efforts.  In 2020, the National Crime Research Centre, in collaboration with the State Department of Children Services, made the first-ever attempt to census children in residential care institutions. This study aimed to shed light on the status of child protection in Charitable Children's Institutions (CCIs) across Kenya, which have attracted significant government attention due...

Source:Pinterest This year's theme is: " The Rights of Children in the Digital Environment".   The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of education, opening up a world of possibilities for children. However, with this newfound access comes the responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being in the online space. Are we prepared to guide and protect our children from the potential risks of the digital space? How effective are child protection measures in safeguarding their rights? Empowering Children through Digital Education: The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the importance of leveraging the digital space to ensure uninterrupted access to education. Children now have the opportunity to explore virtual classrooms, access vast knowledge repositories, and engage with interactive learning tools. This digital leap has the potential to empower children with the skills they need to thrive. However, it is crucial that we equip them with the knowledge ...

  Source: Pinterest "Investing in The Future of Our Children Means Investing in The Future of Our Nation". The International Day of Families, established by the United Nations in 1993, is an annual celebration that emphasizes the significance of family networks while shedding light on the various social, economic, and demographic challenges faced by families worldwide. This observance serves as a platform for the UN to recognize the evolving nature of family structures due to factors such as social, economic, and demographic shifts. It is a day dedicated to honoring and embracing all types of families. In 2023, the International Day of Families aims to increase awareness regarding the influence of demographic trends on families. On May 15th, Kenya joined the global commemoration of this year's International Day of Families under the theme of "Demographic Changes and Family Wellbeing." This occasion provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of social, ...