How to Engage Care Leavers in Care Reform

They may be entitled to assistance with education, finances, psychosocial support, and accommodation in preparation for independent living. Care reform involves changes to systems that promote the capacity of families and communities to care for their children, address the care and protection needs of vulnerable or at-risk children, and decrease reliance on residential care. The care leaver population in Kenya is a significant concern, with many facing challenges in transitioning to independent living. To address this issue, the Changing the Way We Care consortium, in collaboration with the Kenya Society of Care Leavers, developed a guidance document for policy makers, practitioners, faith-based organizations, mass media, and volunteers. The document aims to provide practical advice on how to engage care leavers in care reform and support their transition to independent living. The guidance document emphasizes the importance of understanding the situation of children and youth in residential care. Key messages that care leavers want to convey include the need for support before they leave residential care, the importance of addressing the root causes of their vulnerability, and the need for care leavers to be involved in program design, implementation, and monitoring of care reform. The document also highlights the need for faith-based actors and volunteers to be aware of the specific needs and challenges faced by care leavers. To support care leavers, the guidance document recommends several strategies, including providing access to education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of care leavers, including providing counseling and support services. Additionally, the document recommends that care leavers be involved in the design and implementation of programs aimed at supporting them. The document also provides guidance on how to speak about care leavers in public forums, mass media, and social media. It emphasizes the need to use respectful and dignified language when referring to care leavers and to avoid stigmatizing or stereotyping them. The document also provides guidance on how to engage care leavers in program design, implementation, and monitoring of care reform, including involving them in decision-making processes and providing them with opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives. Overall, the guidance document aims to provide practical advice and guidance on how to engage care leavers in care reform and support their transition to independent living. By involving care leavers in the design and implementation of programs aimed at supporting them, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for care leavers to thrive.