Mama Kerry's Home Based Care
Supporting the lives of vulnerable children
Changing how we care
Millions of children around the world live in institutions – some of which expose them to abuse and enhanced risk of violence and some which simply cannot meet their needs.
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In recent years, political influence and pressure has seen a shift in approach towards deinstitutionalization and care reform for young and vulnerable children. As a result of this, Kenya has enacted numerous legislative and policy changes that encourage family-based care.
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We strongly believe that a family is the best place for a child and efforts are always made by us to enable a child to remain with, or return to, their parents or close family member if possible and safe. It is crucial that children identify and integrate with their community and culture.
Reintegrating back to families​
Mama Kerry's Home Based Care Programme introduced in 2019, implements family and community-based solutions for the reintegration of children with their families (where it is appropriate and safe to do so), providing support and access to the essential services these children and their families need.
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After identifying a potential kinship carer, an intense enquiry and risk assessment is carried out by the social work team, in partnership with the Children's Welfare Society of Kenya, to assess the care and protection the carers are willing and able to provide.
Depending on the outcome of that assessment, food packages and financial support can be offered to the carers to assist with educational fees and health care following the reintegration.
Reaching more children
So far, after intense family tracing, most children have been reintegrated into kinship family relationships under this programme.
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If a vulnerable family in the surrounding area is newly identified, usually by the Chief of the community, the team will again make the necessary enquiries and assessments and where necessary, the children can be placed on Mama Kerry's Home Based Care Programme and receive support while still living with their family.
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Once a child is placed within the programme, contact with the child and family is maintained and regular assessments and follow up visits are made and recorded.
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You can help! £25 could provide a food package for a family of 5 for a month; there’s so much we need!
