Background

CAPs case study highlights the challenges of kinship care in Liberia and tells the story of a young girl living with her aunt, a single mother who struggled to provide for her niece’s education due to financial constraints. The 10 year old girl was in 2nd grade, which is well below her expected academic level. Their primary source of income came from selling small items on the streets, which was barely enough to cover their daily needs, let alone the cost of education.

As the girl’s friends went off to school, she often cried, longing to return to class. Her aunt, recognising the emotional toll this was taking, sought assistance from CAP explaining that, despite her best efforts, she simply couldn’t afford to send the girl to school.

Intervention

CAP, as a member of the Family for Every Child global alliance and an active participant in kinship care initiatives, responded by granting the girl a full scholarship for a year in its Early Childhood Development (ECD) program. This intervention provided the young girl with an opportunity to return to school, a turning point for both her and her aunt.

During the scholarship period, the girl showed significant improvement, both academically and psychologically, becoming much happier and less withdrawn. Her aunt reported that she had become more hopeful and engaged, especially as she resumed her education.

At the end of the academic year, CAP encouraged the aunt to contribute a small amount to keep the girl in school, ensuring the sustainability of her education while fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Despite their financial challenges, the family embraced this arrangement as a way to maintain the girl’s academic progress.

Outcome

The emotional and psychological well-being of the girl improved markedly following her return to school. Her sadness was replaced with optimism and joy, particularly as she began to learn and interact with peers again. The aunt expressed profound gratitude for CAP’s intervention, remarking how the opportunity for education had positively transformed the girl’s outlook on life. The girl herself expressed her happiness by saying, “It is good my aunt brought me to Monrovia, and now I am in school again. Thank God for CAP.”

Broader Implications

This case highlights the informal nature of kinship care in Liberia, where extended families often assume responsibility for children without formal support systems. The situation also underscores the importance of structured kinship care guidelines and the role that organizations like CAP can play in supporting vulnerable families. In Liberia, kinship care is a common practice, but many families, like the aunt’s, face economic hardships that make it difficult to fulfill their responsibilities.

For better outcomes, all relevant stakeholders—government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders, and families—must be involved in strengthening the implementation of kinship care guidelines. Greater collaboration and understanding of the roles and responsibilities within kinship care can help ensure that children like this young girl have access to education and other vital services, which are essential for their well-being and development.

Background

CFAB was approached by an English local authority concerned about the wellbeing of three siblings in temporary foster care. The children had endured physical and emotional harm from their mother and stepfather, prompting the need for a more permanent and nurturing care arrangement.

The social worker handling the case was keen to explore whether the children’s maternal grandparents in Lithuania could serve as suitable caregivers. Their goal was to assess whether a kinship placement could provide the children with a safe and stable environment, connected to their family and cultural roots.
Actions Taken

The UK social worker requested CFAB’s assistance to conduct a thorough assessment of the maternal grandparents in Lithuania. We collaborated with our partners in Lithuania to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the grandparents’ capacity to care for the children. The report produced by our partners detailed the grandparents’ ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children, while considering cultural and familial connections.

After receiving the assessment, CFAB quality-assured the report, making sure that it met the UK court’s expectations. Each country has different social work standards, and discrepancies can lead to complications in court. By conducting a rigorous review of the report and requesting additional clarifications where necessary, CFAB ensured that the report was comprehensive and legally sound.

Additionally, the grandparents were enrolled in a Guardianship Course, preparing them for the responsibilities of raising their grandchildren. This proactive step was crucial to ensure that they were fully equipped to meet the children’s needs.

Outcome

The assessment was positive, and the court approved the children’s move to live with their maternal grandparents in Lithuania. The three siblings are now thriving in their grandparents’ care, where they are connected to their cultural heritage and enjoying a loving, stable home environment.

The children are no longer exposed to harm and are flourishing in the care of family members who are committed to their wellbeing.

Reflection and Future Considerations

This case highlights the importance of exploring all kinship care options, including overseas placements, when children cannot safely remain with their immediate family. The social worker in this case ensured that all avenues were explored, resulting in the children being placed with their grandparents—family members who could provide a safe and supportive home.

However, this case also underscores the challenges of cross-border social work. CFAB estimates that approximately 30,000 children in care have family overseas who may be able to look after them. Yet, only 1% of children in care are placed in kinship care abroad, largely due to the complexities of international social work.

In an increasingly global society, more attention must be given to the potential for international kinship placements. The social work profession should be better equipped to navigate these challenges, with universities incorporating cross-border casework into their training and courts receiving updated guidance to prevent cultural biases from affecting decisions.

CFAB is committed to supporting social workers through resources like our Cultural Family Life Library, which fosters a better understanding of different cultural and religious backgrounds. We believe that culturally informed practice leads to more positive outcomes for children and their families.

Finally, to ensure that every child has the best chance of being placed with family, we support the ongoing efforts of the Kinship Care Week Campaign. Together, we can ensure that every child, no matter where their family lives, is given the opportunity to be cared for by those who love them.

This case demonstrates the vital role of international kinship care and the importance of collaboration between countries to secure the best possible outcomes for children.

Background 

Ama is a 14-year-old girl from Mumford in the Central Region of Ghana. She is the third-born of four children and has faced significant hardship since the passing of her mother. With no knowledge of her father’s whereabouts, Ama lived with a non-relative employer named Aunty Esi. For two years, Ama worked as a child domestic worker (CDW), selling smoked fish and foodstuff, while being deprived of an education. Aunty Esi’s children attended school, but Ama was denied this opportunity. Fortunately, Ama was rescued by Challenging Heights (CH) following a sensitisation program in Mumford and is now living with an extended family member. 

Challenges Encountered

Ama’s situation presented several challenges:

1. No access to education: While Aunty Esi’s own children attended school, Ama was kept at home to work, denying her the chance to learn and grow academically.
2. Exploitation in Child Domestic Work: Ama was exploited, selling fish and food without receiving proper care or compensation. Her labour was used to benefit the family, and she was subjected to neglect.
3. Trauma and Neglect: Living under the care of a non-relative, Ama experienced emotional and physical neglect, which contributed to feelings of isolation and trauma.

Intervention by Challenging Heights

Ama was referred to Challenging Heights by a Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC) member, who recognised the need for intervention to enable her to heal the trauma she had experienced and prepare her for reintegration into a family and educational setting.

1. Therapeutic Care: Ama participated in art and narrative therapy, which helped her process the emotional trauma of her experiences. This therapeutic care played a key role in her recovery
2. Catch-up Education: During her time at the shelter, Ama was taught basic reading and writing skills. This catch-up education was crucial for her eventual reintegration into mainstream education
3. Physical Care: Ama was provided with clothing, footwear, and medical care, which helped her recover from the neglect she had suffered. The shelter addressed any health concerns and ensured that she was physically prepared to transition back into society.
4. Psychosocial Counseling: In addition to therapy, Ama received psychosocial counseling to help her cope with emotional difficulties and adjust to life at the shelter and, later, within her kinship family.
5. Support to Caregiver: To facilitate Ama’s smooth reintegration into her kinship family, CH provided financial support to the caregiver, helping her invest in her business and meet Ama’s needs. This economic support was essential in reducing the financial burden on the caregiver and ensuring that Ama was well cared for.

Successful Reintegration into Kinship Care

Efforts to reintegrate Ama into kinship care were highly successful. With the support of Challenging Heights and the Community Child Protection Committees, Ama was able to grow up in a loving family environment. She is now enrolled in mainstream education, and CH continues to provide her with educational supplies, such as books, bags, and shoes, to ensure she thrives in school.

Ama’s kinship caregiver offers her love, attention, and care. In an interview conducted by CH, Ama shared her satisfaction with her new life: “My caregiver gives me all the attention I need. She provides me with three square meals a day, clothing, and love to keep me moving.”

Key Lessons and Recommendations

Ama’s demonstrates the need for a multifaceted approach to rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration in child domestic work cases. Based on Ama’s case, Challenging Heights advocates for the following measures to prevent and address abusive kinship care situations:

1. Enforcement of Child Protection Laws: Laws protecting children from exploitation must be rigorously enforced. Perpetrators of child abuse, including those involved in child domestic work, should be prosecuted by law enforcement agencies to serve as a deterrent.
2. Awareness and Sensitisation: Community sensitisation programmes should be intensified to raise awareness about child abuse, especially in situations involving kinship care. Face-to-face engagement with community members, alongside mass media campaigns, can establish reporting mechanisms and ensure that abuses are promptly addressed.
3. Guidelines and Support for Kinship Caregivers: The government should establish clear guidelines for kinship caregivers to ensure they understand their responsibilities in caring for children. In addition, resources should be allocated to kinship families to help them provide for children under their care, particularly in low-income households.
4. Partnerships with Key Stakeholders: Partnerships between government, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the private sector are essential for addressing child abuse in kinship care. By working together, stakeholders can create a stronger safety net for vulnerable children and ensure better outcomes.
5. Training for Kinship Caregivers: Kinship caregivers should receive training on parenting skills, child rights, and protection, helping them provide nurturing and supportive environments. These workshops can focus on understanding the psychological and emotional needs of children who have experienced trauma.
6. Economic Empowerment: Poverty is a major factor driving children into child domestic work and exploitation. Providing employment opportunities and financial assistance to families can reduce the economic pressure that leads to such situations. Programs like those run by Challenging Heights, which support caregivers financially, help ensure that children receive proper care without becoming an economic burden.
7. Monitoring and Data Systems: Strengthening monitoring systems within communities is vital to preventing child exploitation. Community-based child protection mechanisms, like the CCPCs in Ama’s case, can help identify and respond to abuse cases early. Additionally, a robust data system will aid in evidence-based decision-making and programming.

Background 

VOC’s Reintegration Programme works to support children who have been reintegrated into kinship families after being separated from their immediate families. However, the programme is not without its challenges in terms of maintaining long-term family support, addressing community stigma, and managing financial burdens.

In one case, a 13-year-old child was reintegrated into the care of an aunt’s family. Initially, the family was supportive, but over time, difficulties emerged. The child experienced a decline in emotional support from family members, and neighbours started blaming the child’s behaviour on past habits. Additionally, the kinship family started requesting more financial support from the VOC citing financial strain and challenges in maintaining a healthy environment for the child.

Actions Taken by Voice of Children

To mitigate these challenges, VOC took several proactive steps to address the issues faced by the child and the kinship family:

1. Signed Written Agreement: A formal agreement was signed by the organisation, the kinship family, and the child, ensuring that all parties understood their roles and responsibilities. This agreement became a key tool in reinforcing accountability for the child’s care.
2. Regular Follow-ups: VOC initiated regular follow-ups with the kinship family and the child, providing ongoing support, counseling, and guidance. These visits allowed VOC to track the child’s progress and intervene when family tensions arose.
3. Community Engagement: VOC met with community leaders and neighbours to discuss the child’s situation, raise awareness, and foster a more supportive environment. By engaging local stakeholders, VOC worked to reduce stigma and promote a positive atmosphere for the child.
4. Collaboration with Local Authorities: VOC linked the case with local government offices and schools to ensure that the child received necessary educational and community support. Meetings were held with teachers, family members, and local authorities to review the child’s academic progress and create a plan for continued education and social inclusion.
5. Planning and Accountability: VOC created an action plan with the family and the child, which was reviewed and revised regularly with the participation of all parties. This plan helped the family and child remain committed to their roles in ensuring a stable and caring environment.

Positive Outcomes

1. Improved Family Relationships: The regular follow-ups and counselling sessions helped repair strained relationships within the kinship family. Through open discussions and continuous guidance, both the child and the family learned to better understand each other and work through their differences.
2. Community and School Engagement: By meeting with community members and teachers, VOC was able to build a safety net around the child, ensuring that the child felt supported both at home and in the wider community. Teachers, in particular, became key advocates for the child’s education and well-being.
3. Increased Accountability: The signed agreement was a turning point in the family’s commitment to caring for the child. It helped clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring that all family members took an active part in providing care and support.
4. Child’s Positive Adjustment: Despite the initial challenges, the child expressed positive feelings toward the kinship family, particularly his aunt, who provided maternal care. The child acknowledged the difficulties but remained grateful for being in a family environment.
   A 13-year-old child remarked, “I am happy here in my auntie’s family. I am getting love from her like a mother. I miss my mother, but I’m okay here.”

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

1. Sensitisation and Training for Kinship Families: VOC found that kinship families need regular training on parenting, child rights, protection, and the responsibilities of caring for a child. This training can ensure that families are prepared for the challenges of reintegration and can offer the emotional and practical support that children need.
2. Community and Government Collaboration: It is essential for organisations like VOC to collaborate with local authorities, schools, and community groups such as women’s groups and child clubs. These local networks can help provide additional resources and support to the child and family, creating a more holistic support system.
3. Financial and Economic Support: Many of the challenges faced by kinship families are financial. To address this, VOC recommends linking families with government support programs, such as allowances for children in kinship care, free education, and access to health insurance. This financial aid can help ease the burden on families and ensure that children receive the care and education they need.
4. Advocacy for Kinship Care Policies: VOC advocates for the legalisation and formalisation of kinship care in Nepal. There is a need for clear guidelines and policies, aligned with international standards like the UNCRC Alternative Care Guidelines, to protect children in kinship care and ensure their well-being.