Re-thinking foster care through community practice: Insights from St Martin Catholic Social Apostolate in Kenya

Esther Kalekye; Nelson Ng'arua Ndiritu; Sarah Roelker

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.3.2.24

Authors

Esther Kalekye Independent Development Consultant, Kenya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7847-8205
Nelson Ng'arua Ndiritu Laikipia University, Kenya Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8101-4773
Sarah Roelker St Martin Catholic Social Apostolate, Kenya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.3.2.24

Keywords:

Africa, Child Protection, Community-Based Practice, Foster Care, Kenya, Social Work Practice

Abstract

This study explores the factors that shape the success of foster care placements within the community-based foster care programme implemented by St Martin Catholic Social Apostolate (CSA) in Kenya. The study is guided by the Attachment, Family Systems and Ecological Systems theories, which together provide a framework for understanding how individual, family, and sociocultural factors influence child wellbeing in foster care settings. A qualitative case study design was adopted, focusing on foster parents, foster children, former foster children, programme staff, and the District Children’s Officer involved in the foster care programme. The study also drew on foster care case files maintained by the organisation. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation of both successful and unsuccessful foster care placements. The overall sample comprised ten foster care case files, nineteen individual participants, three programme staff, one District Children’s Officer, and two focus group discussions involving foster parents and former foster children. Data were collected through document review, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions, and analysed using content and thematic analysis. The findings show that successful foster care placements are influenced by a combination of foster parental commitment, parenting practices, and the provision of emotional support. Family-level factors such as acceptance within the household and relationships among family members also play an important role. In addition, the emotional adjustment and relational capacity of foster children affect placement stability. Cultural and religious values within the community were found to reinforce caregiving practices and support foster parenting. The study further highlights the importance of careful assessment and matching processes in strengthening foster care outcomes. The study concludes that community-based foster care models can provide effective and sustainable alternatives for children without parental care when supported by appropriate caregiver selection, strong family environments, and continuous programme support. It recommends strengthening assessment procedures, enhancing family support systems, and deepening community engagement in foster care initiatives.

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