Kiambu, Kenya – The Directorate of Children Services has launched a three-day training program for foster parents in Kiambu County. This initiative, coinciding with Foster Focus week, aims to raise awareness about the foster system and recognize the invaluable contributions of foster parents.

According to Kenya News Agency, Director of Alternative Family Care from the Directorate of Children’s Services, the training is designed to enhance the skills of foster parents, particularly in fostering strong relationships with their foster children and implementing positive parenting techniques. The program also focuses on protecting children from harm and boosting their confidence through shared experiences and insights from other foster parents.

Isadia, while inaugurating the training, underscored the significance of alternative family care compared to institutionalized care services. He cited international research spanning over 80 years, indicating that children raised in governmental and private institutions often lack the personal familial care crucial for their development.

The training is particularly pertinent given the statistics from the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), which reports that 12 percent of children aged 3-21 in Kenya have disabilities. Emphasizing the need for more foster parents for children with disabilities and special needs, Isadia highlighted the vulnerability of these children and the urgent requirement for specialized care.

Prospective foster parent Simon Kuria shared his motivation for attending the training, expressing a desire to learn more about fostering and hear from others who have experienced the fostering journey.

The Foster Focus week began with the training of community health promoters (CHPs) on how to address foster families and approach foster care sensitization in their communities. The week will conclude with a family fun day on Friday, celebrating foster parents and children in the county.