Involvement of Social Workers in the Implementation of De-institutionalization of Children in Kenya

Phyllis Muraguri – The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Kenya.
Mary Mutisya – The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Kenya, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences and Development Studies
Wilkins Ndege Muhingi – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitative Sciences
Email: gacheke09@gmail.com

Abstract: Kenya has made significant efforts towards the realization of child rights, especially the protection rights. Specifically, there is a growing need to eliminate violence against children in society more so in childcare institutions. The deinstitutionalisation of children in Kenya has its basis in the Children’s Act 2022. In the Act, there is a pointer to children’s rights to parental care and regulations regarding residential care, foster care, and adoption. This study aims to benefit many parties in the field of child care starting with children’s homes and related institutions in Kenya for effectively implementing de-institutionalization policy. The study assessed the level of involvement of social workers as they could uniquely cement the transition from residential care to community-based support. The study was anchored on empowerment and strain theories while, elaborating on the importance of giving power through resources, information, and support to operationalize deinstitutionalization. A mixed method approach was preferred because it allowed both qualitative and quantitative data to be gathered and analysed concurrently. Professional social workers, policy formulation officers, and deinstitutionalisation officers were involved in obtaining data on deinstitutionalization success factors. Findings indicated that there was to a little extent involvement of social workers in the implementation processes. The study concluded that social workers were least involved in the deinstitutionalisation policy thus recommending their increased involvement with adequate government backing. Inculcation of skilled social workers would ensure a more impactful de-institutionalization as the country goes through this critical juncture of care reforms.