CARE Reform in Rwanda: A Virtual Study Tour

The estimated one million deaths resulted in a significant number of children being left without parental care. In response, the government of Rwanda established a system of foster care, which became a priority for the government. The number of residential care facilities increased significantly in the years following the genocide, with 55 facilities caring for over 10,000 children in 1994. However, by 1997, the number of residential care facilities had decreased to 38, with 5,343 children in care. This reduction was largely due to efforts to reunify children with their families. In 2001, the government of Rwanda passed Law No. 27/2001, which focused on the rights of the child and the protection of children against violence. This law emphasized the importance of family-based care and stated that every orphan must have a guardian or adoptive parent. The Constitution of Rwanda, which was also enacted in 2001, enshrined the rights of children to be raised and protected in a family-based environment. The National Policy for Orphans and other Vulnerable Children, introduced in 2003, outlined principles and strategies required for the protection of orphans and other vulnerable children. The policy emphasized the importance of family-based care and the need to reduce the number of residential care facilities. The Strategic Plan of Action for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children, which was put in place in 2007, provided a framework for the implementation of care reform in Rwanda. The Imbuto Foundation, a charity set up by Rwanda's first lady, established the Malaika Mulinzi (Guardian Angel) programme in 2007. This programme rewarded kinship and informal foster carers and set up a network of these caregivers. The programme aimed to promote family-based care and reduce the number of children in residential care. In 2010, the National Integrated Child Rights Policy and accompanying strategic plan were introduced. This policy included provisions on care reform and emphasized the importance of family-based care. The policy stated that every child has the right to be cared for by a family and committed the government to providing support for families and alternative care when needed. The ratification of the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption in 2010 marked an important milestone in Rwanda's care reform journey. The convention provided a framework for the regulation of inter-country adoption and ensured that Rwanda was in line with international standards. The Cabinet Brief: Strategy for National Child Care Reform, which was introduced in 2011, provided a detailed action plan for the implementation of care reform in Rwanda. The plan included building social work capacity, awareness raising on family-based care, the development of foster care, the transformation of residential care facilities, and the mass reintegration of separated children. The Tubarerere Mu Muryango (TMM) programme, which was launched in 2012, aimed to close or transform over 30 residential care facilities and reintegrate children. The programme also recruited 1,440 foster carers and strengthened gatekeeping. The Ishema Mu Muryango Programme, which was also launched in 2012, aimed to reintegrate children from two districts of Rwanda. Overall, care reform in Rwanda has been a complex and ongoing process. The government has made significant efforts to promote family-based care and reduce the number of children in residential care. However, challenges remain, and continued efforts are needed to ensure that all children in Rwanda have access to safe and nurturing care.