RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS

Family Reconnection

A boy’s restoration back to his family does not happen in isolation.

Where it is safe and appropriate, Lifesong Kenya works with boys, families, schools and communities to rebuild relationships, strengthen support systems and create pathways for boys to return to healthy community life.

Healing Requires Restored Relationships

When a boy experiences neglect, family breakdown, conflict, incarceration or trauma, relationships can become strained or completely broken.

Removing a boy from a difficult environment may provide immediate safety, but long-term restoration often requires rebuilding the relationships and support systems around him.

Our Family Reconnection program helps to create opportunities for communication, reconciliation, support and belonging. We do not assume that every family situation can or should be restored in the same way. Safety comes first.

Where reunification is appropriate, we work towards it carefully. Where it is not, we help explore other safe and supportive pathways.

What We Do

Family Engagement

We work to locate and engage families and caregivers when family involvement is appropriate and supports the boy’s wellbeing.

Family Mediation

We create opportunities for boys and families to communicate, rebuild trust, address conflict and work towards healthier relationships.

Community Reintegration

We connect boys with positive adults, supportive community relationships and education opportunities to help them rebuild a sense of belonging and continue learning.

After Care Support

Reconnection is not a single event. We provide ongoing encouragement, coaching and follow-up to help boys sustain positive relationships and continue moving forward.

Building a Support Network Around Each Boy

The program may involve:

Boys and young men
Parents and caregivers
Families
Schools
Community leaders
Mentors
Other relevant support networks

Our work is guided by the individual circumstances and safety needs of each boy.

Our Community Reconnection Work

Our broader work has included:

Family tracing
Family engagement
Reconciliation
School reintegration
Community mentorship
Follow-up coaching
Engagement with community leaders

We are continuing to strengthen how we document and measure family and community outcomes.

WHAT IS NEEDED

Help Us to Reconnect Boys With Their Families

Support is needed for:

Family tracing
Transport for family visits
Communication with families
Mediation and reconciliation activities
Mentoring
Coaching
School reintegration
Helping families to start an economic activity
Follow-up visits
Community engagement

Help a Boy to Reconnect

You can:

Support family tracing
Fund transport for family engagement
Support mentoring
Sponsor coaching
Support school reintegration
Partner with us on community-based restoration
Help strengthen aftercare and follow-up

A boy needs more than a safe place today. He needs relationships that can help him build a safe future.

"The idea of visiting families and helping them budget whatever little or much they have is just amazing. Giving and donating is good, but when someone donates exactly what you need, even the most basic of things that you really need, then that's the best."

— Maggy K.

mother