Functions Of National Council for Children’s Services

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:

1. Regulation and Oversight: The council regulates, coordinates, and provides oversight on children’s services throughout Kenya.
2. Inter-Country Adoption: Acts as the central authority for the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions to prevent child abduction, sale, or trafficking.
3. International Law Enforcement: Facilitates and monitors adherence to international laws and treaties related to children’s rights.
4. Program Evaluation: Works with state and non-state entities to evaluate social programs focused on child welfare.
5. Policy Development: Develops policies and codes of conduct to ensure best practices in child protection and welfare.
6. Public Education: Oversees and evaluates programs aimed at educating the public about children’s rights and welfare.
7. Technical Support: Provides support to agencies involved in child welfare programs.
8. Obligation Monitoring: Monitors and evaluates Kenya’s fulfillment of international obligations related to children.
9. Family Welfare Policies: Formulates policies to empower families and improve children’s social welfare.
10. Charitable Institutions: Regulates, registers, and monitors child welfare programs in charitable children’s institutions.
11. Rescue Centers: Advises the Cabinet Secretary on establishing children’s rescue centers and designating institutions to act as such.
12. Awareness Programs: Implements programs to increase public awareness of children’s rights and welfare.
13. Guardians ad Litem: Establishes panels for court-appointed guardians ad litem in matters involving children, including adoption.
14. Guardian Register: Maintains an updated register of guardians ad litem.
15. County Advisory Committees: Establishes and manages County Children Advisory Committees for child welfare.
16. Research: Promotes and conducts research on child welfare and protection.
17. Child Database: Maintains a comprehensive database of children in Kenya.
18. Adoption Policy: Advises the Cabinet Secretary on adoption procedures and practices.
19. Adoption Agency Support: Provides guidance to adoption agencies and prospective adoptive parents.
20. Record-Keeping: Maintains records of children available for adoption and prospective adoptive parents.
21. Certification for Adoption: Certifies and declares children as free for adoption.
22. Adopted Child Register: Keeps a database of adopted children in consultation with the Registrar.
23. International Cooperation: Coordinates with local, state, and international agencies on adoption matters and the repatriation of children.
24. Adoption Fees Review: Reviews and recommends fees for adoption processing, registration, and licensing.
25. 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