Kenya
Since 2016, The Route Sixty One Foundation has consistently supported the work of the Directorate of Children’s Services by equipping and sending a team of Kenyan chaplains and social workers to help disadvantaged children in the juvenile justice system.
The team currently provides activities and support to thirteen statutory children’s institutions (SCIs) across Nairobi and Western Kenya.
They are based in the lakeside city of Kisumu.
Featured Video
Watch this short video to learn more about the Foundation’s work with children in the juvenile justice system and see its team in action.
The Juvenile Justice System
In partnership with the Chaplaincy of Children’s Services, the Foundation seeks to help children in the juvenile justice system reconcile with their families and return to a safe, nurturing home environment where they can thrive.
When a child is serving a custodial sentence, the Foundation’s team offers encouragement and fosters hope, helping the child build and maintain healthy connections so that their family welcomes them home when the time comes.
Children may be placed in a statutory institution for their care and protection, or if accused of or found guilty of a crime.
There are 30 statutory children’s institutions nationwide
Divided into the following four categories:
Remand Home
Children in the court system await judgment and, if found guilty, are sentenced. The time a child spends within a remand home depends on how long the court process takes. The Foundation’s team has known children stay for a few weeks up to seven years. Children may also be placed here for their care and protection.
Rescue Centre
These centres provide emergency care and protection for orphaned and abandoned children up to six years of age, and vulnerable girls, many of whom are victims of sexual abuse.
Reception & Classification
Reception & classification centres offer short-term residential care, during which each child is assessed before being moved to an institution providing appropriate care or security.
Rehabilitation School
Children serve their custodial sentence at a rehabilitation school. The longest sentence a child may receive is three years. These schools often provide education and, in some cases, life skills training.
The Foundation’s team currently works in twelve of them.
Meet the Foundation’s Team