The National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS) in Kenya plays a crucial role in overseeing, regulating, and coordinating children’s services, with a focus on child welfare and protection. Here are the main functions of the NCCS:
- Regulation and Oversight: The council regulates, coordinates, and provides oversight on children’s services throughout Kenya.
- Inter-Country Adoption: Acts as the central authority for the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions to prevent child abduction, sale, or trafficking.
- International Law Enforcement: Facilitates and monitors adherence to international laws and treaties related to children’s rights.
- Program Evaluation: Works with state and non-state entities to evaluate social programs focused on child welfare.
- Policy Development: Develops policies and codes of conduct to ensure best practices in child protection and welfare.
- Public Education: Oversees and evaluates programs aimed at educating the public about children’s rights and welfare.
- Technical Support: Provides support to agencies involved in child welfare programs.
- Obligation Monitoring: Monitors and evaluates Kenya’s fulfillment of international obligations related to children.
- Family Welfare Policies: Formulates policies to empower families and improve children’s social welfare.
- Charitable Institutions: Regulates, registers, and monitors child welfare programs in charitable children’s institutions.
- Rescue Centers: Advises the Cabinet Secretary on establishing children’s rescue centers and designating institutions to act as such.
- Awareness Programs: Implements programs to increase public awareness of children’s rights and welfare.
- Guardians ad Litem: Establishes panels for court-appointed guardians ad litem in matters involving children, including adoption.
- Guardian Register: Maintains an updated register of guardians ad litem.
- County Advisory Committees: Establishes and manages County Children Advisory Committees for child welfare.
- Research: Promotes and conducts research on child welfare and protection.
- Child Database: Maintains a comprehensive database of children in Kenya.
- Adoption Policy: Advises the Cabinet Secretary on adoption procedures and practices.
- Adoption Agency Support: Provides guidance to adoption agencies and prospective adoptive parents.
- Record-Keeping: Maintains records of children available for adoption and prospective adoptive parents.
- Certification for Adoption: Certifies and declares children as free for adoption.
- Adopted Child Register: Keeps a database of adopted children in consultation with the Registrar.
- International Cooperation: Coordinates with local, state, and international agencies on adoption matters and the repatriation of children.
- Adoption Fees Review: Reviews and recommends fees for adoption processing, registration, and licensing.
- Annual Reporting: Prepares and submits annual adoption-related reports to the Cabinet Secretary.
National Council for Children’s Services Contacts
- Phone: +254-20-2729801-19, 020 310257, +254-20-2691023
- Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
- Head Office: Social Security House, 4th Floor, Block C, Bishop Road, Nairobi
