Lusubilo Community Care conducted a four-day comprehensive case review in Karonga District, assessing 33 children as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child reintegration and promote family-based care.
The review aimed to assess progress, identify challenges, and inform future interventions to improve outcomes for children under the reintegration project.
The activity brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Gender, District Social Welfare Officers from Karonga and Chitipa, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Lusubilo management team. Their joint participation ensured that the process was guided by national child protection standards and aligned with best practices.
Representatives from Ministry of Gender and CRS, during the meeting.
A total of 33 children were reviewed, comprising 19 who have already been reintegrated into their family environments and 14 who are still in institutional care. The review focused on assessing the adjustment, safety, and overall wellbeing of children already living with their families, while also examining the readiness of those still in institution for possible reunification.
During the sessions, the reintegration team presented detailed case information supported by case files, follow-up reports, and household assessment records. This structured approach provided stakeholders with a clear and evidence-based understanding of each child’s situation, enabling informed decision-making.
Child protection and Reintegration Officer presenting child reintegration cases
For children already reintegrated, discussions centered on their adjustment to family life, the level of care and protection within households, and ongoing support needs. For those still in institutional care, the review assessed family preparedness, safety of home environments, and overall readiness for reintegration.
Management and government representatives provided technical and policy guidance throughout the process, ensuring that recommendations were consistent with Malawi’s child protection framework and the broader national agenda on family-based care.
Lusubilo Management team and District Social Welfare Officers during the meeting
This initiative aligns with the Government of Malawi’s policy direction, which promotes family-based care as the preferred option for children in need of care and protection. To date, Lusubilo has successfully reintegrated 43 children into their family homes, contributing to national efforts under the Malawi Plan of Action to ensure that vulnerable children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing family environments.
The case review concluded with consolidated findings and practical recommendations aimed at strengthening reintegration processes, improving child protection interventions, and enhancing family and community support systems. These outcomes will guide future programming and reinforce accountability in the delivery of quality child protection services.
Lusubilo is implementing the reintegration project with financial support from Catholic Relief Services (CRS).