We believe that every child deserves the right to a family. A significant part of our mission is to understand each child's story and work towards their resettlement back into a family environment. Many children leave their homes due to circumstances such as abuse, rejection, or poverty, and are often drawn to Kampala by the idea of a better life. However, life on the streets is far harsher than they anticipated, and many find themselves stranded, unable to return home.
Follow-Up: Resettlement at Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, Children are resettled through various methods at Save Sunshine Shelter Kids: Reintegration: Returning a child to their biological family or relatives. Foster Care: When we cannot locate any biological family or when reconciliation fails, or if the child is at risk of abuse, we arrange foster care. Independent Living: For youth 18 and older who have no family or relatives, we help them transition to independent living.
The ultimate goal of Save Sunshine Shelter Kids is to reunite children with their families. We conduct regular follow-up visits to monitor the child’s progress and the family’s economic stability. If a family is found stable enough, the child is removed from our support program. If not, we continue to provide support until the family is self-sufficient. This enables children to reconnect with their families and succeed both at home and in their studies. No matter the reason for a child’s journey to the streets, our mission is to help re-establish their family connections and, in the best cases, resettle them back home. Each child is assigned a contact person responsible for their resettlement. For the first year after resettlement, we conduct monthly home visits, followed by visits every three months in the second year, until the process is fully complete.
Key activities in Re-settlement
Our role is to ensure awareness and follow through until resettlement is successfully achieved.
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Family Tracing
We spend time identifying and locating the families of children, as many parents or guardians may have relocated. This is a time-consuming process but is crucial to understanding the reasons behind a child’s departure to the streets
Reuniting
Once resettlement is possible, we reunite the child with their family. Surprise visits are conducted to ensure the child is being treated properly, and support is provided until the child is well-adjusted.
Family Tracing
Reuniting
Family Resettlement
Follow-Ups
Why We Resettle Children?
We believe that God designed families as a reflection of His relationship with us. Family provides belonging, shared values, and cultural heritage. At Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, family preservation is a priority, as many children come from loving, yet vulnerable, families. Although some resettlements fail, those that succeed often result in deep family bonds and long-lasting success. For families that struggle, we provide continued support, including financial assistance, while keeping the children with their families.
What is Resettlement?
Resettlement occurs when a child in one of Save Sunshine Shelter Kids' homes is deemed able to reintegrate with their biological family, based on the assessment of our child development team.
What is the Ministry of Gender?
The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development in Uganda oversees community empowerment and the protection of vulnerable groups. They ensure that organizations like Save Sunshine Shelter Kids uphold policies that promote children's rights, safety, and protection.
What is Family Tracing?
Before a child officially enters our care, we begin the process of tracing their biological family or any relatives who may be able to care for them.
How Does Save Sunshine Shelter Kids Choose Who Gets Resettled?
Our social workers continually assess the child’s family to determine if resettlement is safe and appropriate. Child safety is our priority, and we work with both families and children to prepare for resettlement. The child’s age and rights, as outlined by Ugandan law, are also taken into account.
The Resettlement Process
Family Tracing: Social workers begin tracing the child’s biological family within 30 days of placement. If located, a care plan is developed.
Identification: Candidates for resettlement are identified by social workers and the Child Development Director.
Post-Tracing Counseling: Social workers counsel the child to prepare them for resettlement and gather their feedback.
Family Assessments: Assessments provide insight into the family’s ability to support the child.
Reconciliation Visits: These visits foster bonding between the child and family before resettlement.
Counseling and Interview: Social workers and counselors prepare the child for resettlement by answering questions and addressing concerns.
Resettlement Package: A package of essentials, such as mosquito nets and food, is provided to ease the child’s transition.
Follow-Ups: Regular visits are conducted post-resettlement to monitor the child’s adjustment.
Preparing Families for Resettlement
Families receive caregiver training before resettlement, focusing on their role in providing, protecting, and nurturing the child. Counseling sessions help parents understand their child's specific emotional or medical needs. Social workers also assist families in finding resources to support the child’s ongoing needs.
Why is Resettlement Important?
We believe in resettlement because of the unique bond between a child and their biological family. Families provide cultural traditions, community connections, and lifelong belonging that no alternative care can replicate.
What is Our Hope for Resettlement?
Our goal is to ensure successful reunification, but only when it is safe and appropriate for the child. Each case is considered individually, and we collaborate with families to make the best decision
How Are Families Prepared Before Resettlement?
Before resettlement, families receive caregiver training to equip them with the confidence and emotional support needed to welcome a child into their home. This training focuses on their responsibilities as caregivers—providing, protecting, and nurturing their children. Families also participate in counseling sessions or meetings with government officials, such as probation officers from the Ministry of Gender, to understand how to support their child’s specific behavioral, emotional, or medical needs. Our intern social worker collaborates with families to ensure they have access to necessary resources for the child’s well-being and to strengthen the family unit.
Why is Resettlement Important?
At Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, we value resettlement because we believe in God’s design for family. A biological family offers a child a sense of belonging, lifelong connections, cultural traditions, shared history, and essential life skills. The family is the foundation for a child’s emotional and social development, and reuniting children with their families can foster long-term healing and stability.
What is Our Hope for Resettlement?
Our hope is to successfully reunify children with their biological families, ensuring the process is both safe and appropriate for the child’s circumstances. Resettlement is only considered when it is in the child’s best interest, and we work tirelessly to make sure the transition is as smooth and supportive as possible.
How Do We Support Families After Resettlement?
Our intern social workers, trained by Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, stay connected to both the family and the child after resettlement. We provide ongoing support, including monitoring the child’s education, medical care, and emotional well-being through regular visits. Hajara, our dedicated team member, oversees this process to ensure the family and child feel supported until the child expresses readiness to end this ongoing engagement.
What if Resettlement is Not Possible?
When resettlement is not feasible, we explore other options such as domestic adoption, long-term foster care, or kinship care. In cases where none of these alternatives are possible, Save Sunshine Shelter Kids remains committed to caring for the child in our homes, with approval from probation officers or the police.
How Long is the Resettlement Process?
The length of the resettlement process varies, depending on the child’s and family’s readiness to reintegrate. Some cases take a few months, while others may require years of support and preparation.
We are deeply grateful for every life that passes through our doors. Each child is precious, and we are honored to walk with them on their journey. Ultimately, these children are God's, and we trust in His divine plan. If you have any questions about the resettlement process, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we would love to continue the conversation!
