What is Kinship?
Kinship care refers to the placement of children with relatives or with close family friends who are technically referred to as fictive kin. As such, kinship entails reintegrating children into the care of their extended families or close family friends.
In this living situation, a grandparent, other close relative or someone else who is emotionally close to a child takes primary responsibility for the care of that child. Relatives are the preferred placement for children who must be removed from their birth parents, as this kind of placement maintains the children’s connections with their families.
Through this project, orphans and vulnerable children are placed into the heartfelt and enduring care of their kin.
Why is Kinship Critical?
The care provided by Charitable Children’s Institutions (CCIs) lacks the intimate nurture that can only be provided in a family set-up. Kinship provides children with a chance to enjoy the continuous daily protection and upbringing of their own families.
Kinship care is often considered a type of family preservation option and is recognized as providing a host of benefits for children over other forms of alternative care such as orphanages. Primarily, it enables children to remain with familiar carers, reducing the need for separation from loved ones, and preserving attachments and a sense of identity.
In addition, it provides the preservation of family, community and cultural ties and reinforces a child’s sense of identity and self-esteem. Through this project, children maintain a sense of identity with their families which keeps them grounded.
The Cultural Value of Kinship
Kinship care is the most culturally appropriate form of care, rooted in long-standing African traditions of ‘looking after ones’ own and taking care of each other.’ This leads to a reduction of multiple placements of orphans and vulnerable children. It also avoids institutionalization and the associated risks for a child. Through this project, the cultural values of kinship are strategically tapped into.
What is Little Angels Network’s Kinship experience?
For close to ten years, Little Angels Network has reintegrated hundreds of children back into their families. This has happened in several counties. Despite a number of challenges, this reintegration has been largely successful.
Why this Kinship Project is Critical
This project will ensure that orphans and vulnerable children find a home within their own circle of the extended family and close family friends. Little Angels will however ensure that reintegration takes places in a transparent and accountable manner that upholds lasting welfare for the children. This is particularly important because Kenya lacks a policy on kinship care and reintegration.
In addition, earlier baseline studies done by Little Angels indicate that 300,000 children living in orphanages and waiting for foster care or adoption could be placed in kinship care.
Page Quote: “Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. And having both is a blessing.” Anonymous.