EMBU COLLEGE

A REPORT ON THE COMPULSORY SUPERVISED INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

AT THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY, LABOUR AND SOCIAL
PROTECTION, STATE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT
OF CHILDREN SERVICES, EMBU-WEST SUB-COUNTY, COUNTY CHILDREN
SERVICES.

COURSE OF STUDY; DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK/ COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT

STUDENT NAME;.MBUGUA MARGARET WANJIKU

REGISTRATION NUMBER; EC/CDSW/14609/18

INSTITUTION; DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN SERVICES.

PERIOD; 8TH APRIL 2021 TO 8TH JULY 2021.

DATE OF SUBMISSION;

A FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT/ SOCIAL WORK

1
2
 DECLARATION.
I Mbugua Margaret sincerely declare that this attachment report presented to Embu college
school of humanities and Social Sciences, based on the knowledge and experience acquired
during my attachment period is true to the best of my knowledge and am responsibly liable to
answer any questions arising from it. I am the sole writer of this report and no similar work has
been submitted to any other institution of higher learning.

Student; Mbugua Margaret

Signature; ………………….

Date; ………………………..

Supervisor; ………………………………………………………………

Sign; …………………..

Date; …………………………..

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
First, my sincere gratitude to the Almighty God for the gift of life, His unmerited favor and
sustenance during the attachment period.

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge my supervisor Mr. Dennis Nyamweya for his continued
support, guidance and encouragement. He has tirelessly guided me and instilled values in me that
will go a long way in helping me in the future. May God bless you.

Special thanks to the Children Department staff who have impacted me positively in this
professional journey and my institution’s attachment supervisor Mr.Mugo for all the help
accorded to me both in class and during his visits at the Children Department.

Finally, I give special thanks to my family and friends who have been so supportive and who
have been a big source of encouragement to me. Thank you for always being there for me.

May God bless you all.

ii
 DEDICATION.

This report is dedicated to my family, friends, my field attachment supervisor Mr. Mugo and the
entire Department of Children Services, Embu-West Sub-County for all the support and
encouragement accorded to me during the entire period that I was on attachment. My attachment
has been a big success and a learning period in which I have sharpened and expanded my
knowledge all thanks to the great team that had my back all through.

iii
 ABSTRACT.
As a requirement for a student to acquire a Diploma in social work and community development,
he/she has to undergo training in order to gain experience necessary in the field and for the job
market. This is at least done from a known organization which deals with real work on the
ground related to the course of study beyond mere theoretical work and to satisfy this
requirement, I trained at the Embu-West Sub-County Department of Children Services.

I joined the Department of Children Services on 8 th April 2021 for a period of three months. In
this report, I have highlighted the experience and skills I gained, challenges that I faced and the
actions taken in solving the problems during my training period.

My training focused on various things like, receiving cases brought to the office by clients,
registering of cases in the child protection case register, issuing sermon letters, mediating over
cases, writing committals committing children to child protection institutions by a court order,
writing of arrest warrants and letters to chiefs to look into a matter in their areas, writing parental
agreements and going for social enquiries. I also acquired an addition of skills like the ability to
work under minimal and no supervision and being a team player.

iv
Table of Contents
DECLARATION........................................................................................................................................i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT..............................................................................................................................................iv
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS...................................................................................................vii
KEY DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................1
OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANISATION..................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Location of the organization..............................................................................................................1
1.3 Mandate of the organization..............................................................................................................1
1.4 Vision of the organization..................................................................................................................1
1.5 Mission of the organization...............................................................................................................2
1.6 Core values of the organization.........................................................................................................2
1.7 Core principles of the organization....................................................................................................2
1.8 Organizational structure and chart.....................................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO.........................................................................................................................................4
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE ORGANIZATION......................................................................4
2.1 Functions of the organization............................................................................................................4
2.2 Goods/ services provided by the organization...............................................................................5
2.3 Challenges faced by the organization................................................................................................6
2.4 How the organization has surmounted the challenges........................................................................7
CHAPTER THREE.....................................................................................................................................9
STUDENTS PROFFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.......................................................................................9
3.1 Activities involved in during attachment...........................................................................................9
3.2 Relationship of work done with skills acquired in class...................................................................10
3.3 Challenges faced during practicum..................................................................................................12
3.4 How the challenges were surmounted............................................................................................12
3.5 Professional contribution to organizational growth.........................................................................13
CHAPTER FOUR.....................................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.....................................................................................14
4.1 professional observations about the work environment...................................................................14

v
4.2 Important things learnt during the attachment...............................................................................15
4.3 Recommendations to both the university and agency of attachment................................................16
4.4 Summary and conclusion.................................................................................................................17

vi
 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS.
BI………….BORSTAL INSTITUTION.

CCIs……..CHARITABLE CHILDREN INSTITUTIONS.

CCPOs….CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION OFFICERS.

SCCO…..SUB-COUNTY CHILDREN OFFICER.

CO………..CHILDREN OFFICER.

CIL……….CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW.

CNCP……CHILDREN IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION.

NGO………NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.

COR………..CHILDREN OFFICERS REPORT.

VCO……….VOLUNTARY CHILDREN OFFICER.

CRC………..CHILD RESCUE CENTER.

CRH……….CHILD REMAND CENTER.

SCI………….STATUTORY CHILDREN OFFICER.

AACs………AREA ADVISORY COUNCILS.

RAS………..RISK ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE.

CSO………..COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS.

DCS………..DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN SERVICES.

JJA………….JUVENILE JUSTICE AGENCY.

JJS…………..JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

vii
 KEY DEFINITIONS.
CASE CATEGORIES.

Abandonment; refers to a child deserted willingly by a parent, guardian or the person who has
actual legal custody without any regard for the child’s welfare.

Abduction; refers to any child who by force, inducement, or by any deceitful means is moved
from one place of safety to another where his/her welfare is at risk.

Custody in respect to a child; means much of the parental rights and duties as relate to the
possession of the child.

Physical abuse/violence; physical injury caused by punching, beating, kicking, burning or

otherwise harming a child which results in injuries such as bruises, burns, cuts etc.

Child labor; this is work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their
dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development and considered exploitative.

Sexual exploitation and abuse; refers to the involvement of a child in acts of sexual
exploitation and abuse through prostitution, inducement or coercion to engage in any sexual
activity, and exposure to obscene materials (pornography).

Defilement; refers to committing an act which causes penetration with a child.

Neglect; refers to failure of a person having parental responsibility, custody, charge or care of a
child to provide adequate food, clothing, education, immunization, shelter and medical care in a
manner likely to cause injury to his health and development.

Lost/lost and found child; refers to a child whose whereabouts are unknown to their parents,
guardian or custodian. This child can be reported as missing child or who has been found but
cannot trace his/her home.

Child sodomy; refers to having canal knowledge of any child against the order of nature.

Child truancy; refers to a child who stays away from school without a good reason or is falling
into bad associations.

viii
Child delinquency; refers to a child of a certain age who has violated a criminal law or engaged
in a disobedient, indecent or immoral conduct.

ix
x
 CHAPTER ONE

OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANISATION.

1.1 Introduction.
The Government of Kenya through the ministry of labour and social protection has the overall
mandate to promote decent work and promote protection of vulnerable groups in the society. The
state department of social protection formulates and implements policies that are geared towards
the protection of all vulnerable populations among the communities. The Children’s Act 2001
mandates the Department of Children Services to safeguard and protect the rights and welfare of
children for national prosperity. The Department leads, oversees, plans and coordinates all child
protection programmers and services in Kenya. The DCS derives its mandate from the
Children’s Act no. 8 of 2001 to make provision for parental responsibility, custody, maintenance,
guardianship, care and protection of children.

1.2 Location of the organization.

The Department is located in Embu County along the Embu-Meru highway opposite Huduma
Center Embu town. Embu County covers an area of 2,818 square kilometers in total and boarders
Tharaka Nithi to the North, Machakos to the South, Kitui to the East and Kirinyaga to the West.

1.3 Mandate of the organization.

Safeguard and protect the rights and welfare of children for national prosperity as per the
Children Act 2001.

Lead, oversee, plan and coordinate child protection programmers and services in Kenya. The
Children’s Act 2001 is an Act of Parliament that makes provision for the following:

 Parental responsibility.
 Fostering, adoption custody, maintenance, guardianship.
 Care and protection of children.
 Administration of children institutions.

1.4 Vision of the organization.

A society where children become responsible citizens through fulfillment of their prescribed
rights and welfare.

1
1.5 Mission of the organization.
To safeguard the rights and welfare of all children in Kenya through the implementation of
relevant policies, coordination, supervision and delivery of services.

1.6 Core values of the organization.

i. Child friendliness.
ii. Integrity.
iii. Accountability.
iv. Professionalism.
v. Confidentiality.
vi. Transparency.

1.7 Core principles of the organization.

i. Best interests of the child.
ii. Non-discrimination.
iii. Child participation.
iv. Maximum survival.

2
1.8 Organizational structure and chart.

THE STRUCTURE
MINISTRY OF EAC LABOUR AND SOCIAL
PROTECTION. (Cabinet Sec.)

STATE DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION. (Principal

Sec.)

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN SERVICES. (Director)

COUNTY CHILDREN OFFICER. (County coordinator for children

services.)

SUB-COUNTY CHILDREN OFFICE. (Sub-county children officer.)

CHILDREN OFFICERS

VOLUNTEER CHILDREN OFFICERS. (Community level.)

3
CHAPTER TWO

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE ORGANIZATION.

2.1 Functions of the organization.

The following are the key functions of the Department of Children Services;

i. Provide appropriate services to children in need of care and protection.

ii. Establish and manage statutory children institutions. (Section 47 of CA)
iii. Safeguard the rights and welfare of any child or children placed under care, by virtue
of a court order. For example, right to education, shelter and food
iv. Provide assistance and procure accommodation for any child not in proper custody.
v. Trace, re-integrate and provide aftercare services to children in need of care and
protection.
vi. Reunify lost or abandoned children separated with their parents, return and or re-
integrate a lost or abandoned child to his lawful place of residence.
vii. Respond to cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and intervene on behalf of any
child who is in need of care and protection and is in danger of imminent injury or
harm, where possible by seeing the removal of such a child to a place of safety.
viii. Provide and co-ordinate after care services locally and internationally.
ix. Strengthen the capacities of families in taking care of vulnerable children, separated
children and children at risk.
x. Mediate, in so far as permitted under this Act, in family disputes involving children,
and their parents, guardians and other persons who have parental responsibility in
respect of the children and promote family reconciliation.
xi. Provide psychosocial support services for children and their families.
xii. Build the capacity of children to participate in regional, national and international
affairs.
xiii. Establish and coordinate area advisory councils.

4
 xiv. Prepare and present Kenya’s state report under international and regional treaties.
Also present COR and social enquiry reports of children in need of care and
protection to courts. The reports entail the family background, case history etc.
xv. Run the Cash Transfer for Orphans and the Vulnerable Children Programme
(CTOVC) on behalf of the government. This programme supports poor households
especially those taking care of orphans and vulnerable children and enables them to
be able to meet their needs.
xvi. Giving bursaries and scholarships to needy children on behalf of the government and
other stakeholders
xvii. Giving recommendations to court regarding children matters.
xviii. Coordinate the commemoration of the Day of the African Child on 16th June year.

2.2 Goods/ services provided by the organization.

i. Swift response and rescue of children in need of care and protection: immediately a case
is reported at the Children Department concerning the welfare of a child and the child
needs care and protection, be it a case of abuse, abandonment, neglect or the child is in
eminent danger of a risk, the Department rapidly responds to ensure that the child’s rights
and welfare are protected. An emergency number 116 that is used to report cases
involving children and that operates 24/7 ensures rapid response to children in need of
care and protection.
ii. Re-integration of children into the society: the Children Department ensures that child
delinquents who have been in conflict with the law are integrated back into the society
after serving their punishment and those that had been lost or separated from their parents
are integrated back with their parents, guardians and custodians.
iii. The Children Department offer basic guidance and counselling: The department offers
guidance and counselling services for example to children who have been abused both
physically and emotionally and going through traumatizing experiences. This services are
not only limited to children, they also offer guidance and counselling services to parents
about how to handle children and how they can improve relationships with their children
and the family status.
iv. Child rights and child participation: this aims at providing children with the opportunity
to identify their needs and solutions. This is in recognition that children can identify their

5
 own needs and develop their own solutions. Through child participation, the children are
sensitized on their rights and the significance of being involved in issues affecting them.
v. Family counseling, mediation, empowerment, and rehabilitation: this strengthens family
relationships to effectively care for and protect children by providing counseling,
psychosocial support and facilitation of family reunification with support for income
generating activities. The Children Department undertakes mediation activities among
parents who might be in conflict for whatever reason, separated, or estranged and, as
such, causing the children to suffer due to inadequate maintenance and attention. This
aims at having the child’s needs adequately addressed by both parents.
vi. Alternative family care; It mainly deals with the facilitation and provision of alternative
families for children in need of care and protection. Adoption, foster care and
guardianship are the core components in the alternative family care services.
vii. CT-OVC programme: the Children’s Department runs the Cash Transfer Programme for
Orphans and Vulnerable Children on behalf of the national government and other
stakeholders like the World Bank which enables economic strengthening of families
taking care of orphans and vulnerable children. This funds enable the provision of basic
amenities like food, shelter, education and healthcare.

2.3 Challenges faced by the organization.

i. Language barrier: most clients, who are parents are used to speaking their vernacular
language (kiembu) which makes it difficult for a person who does not understand the
language to handle such a case without the presence of an interpreter. Communication is
very important in handling a case as the details will be clear when recording the case and
getting to understand what exactly the case entails.
ii. Lack of cooperation by the other party summoned to the office: once a client comes to
report a case, a summon letter is given to summon the other party to the office so as to
find a solution to the problem. Some people end up not coming to the office at all even
after being summoned thrice.
iii. Inadequate number of staff: when compared to the load of work at the Children
Department, the staff are not enough to handle all the cases, do social enquiry and go to
the court to handle children issues.

6
 iv. Inadequate resources to carry out all the operations of the Department especially financial
resources.
v. Increased number of families with orphans and vulnerable children and hence the need
for more and more to be done.
vi. Increased number of separation cases in families thus neglect cases are on the increase
leading to suffering by children who are on the receiving end.
vii. Difficulty in distinguishing different cases as cases vary and establishing the case
category of a certain case presented by a client.
viii. Wide geographical area covered by the Children Department. The Department of
Children services covers the whole of Manyatta region thus increasing work load.

2.4 How the organization has surmounted the challenges.

i. On the issue of language barrier, the Department has implemented the government policy
of using the two national languages; Kiswahili and English and urging the clients to try
their level best to use the two languages to avoid communication barrier. Patience in
handling clients with communication difficulties is on another level to ensure that the
right information is given and confidence built so as to encourage them to use the
national languages more and more.
ii. The Department working together with the police ensure that clients who refuse to heed
to the summon letters are arrested and brought to the office. An arrest warrant is written
asking the police to arrest the person.
iii. The Children Department has increased the intake of interns. The interns help in the
office hence reducing the workload that otherwise would have been done by the staff.
iv. The Department through the service delivery report to the government requested an
increase in resource allocation especially finances for operations to run smoothly in the
Department.
v. The government and the stakeholders responsible for the CT-OVC funds have increased
the funds so as to be distributed to the increasing number of families with orphans and
vulnerable children so that their needs can be met.
vi. The Department has taken the initiative to create awareness on the impacts of separation
on children and encourage solving of disputes in the family so as to safeguard the well-
being of the children.

7
vii. The Department has established a case load register with various case categories used to
classify the various cases reported on a daily basis. For example, neglect, abandonment,
custody etc.
viii. The Children Department works hand in hand with the lower levels of administration in
the sub-county e.g. chief, sub-chief, police, and voluntary children officers to ensure that
the rights and welfare of children in the society are protected.

8
 CHAPTER THREE
STUDENTS PROFFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.
3.1 Activities involved in during attachment.
i. Receiving cases brought to the office by clients and determining if they are to be handled
by the office. This is because some cases just need to be handled at the family level and
by the chief.
ii. Recording cases in the child protection case register capturing the name of the reporter
and that of the respondent, their contact details, location of the child, child’s name, age,
sex and class and the type of case.
iii. Giving summon letters for the people who have been reported at the office summoning
them to the office on a specific date.
iv. Listening to cases and mediating over the cases and determine the cause of action to take.
v. Making referrals. Where there is no agreement between the two parties, I referred them to
the court.
vi. Writing/ making of a joint parental agreement where an amicable decision has been
reached on how responsibilities regarding the child will be shared.
vii. Writing committals committing a child to charitable children institutions like a children
home for care and protection so as to ensure the child rights and welfare are safeguarded.
viii. Recording cases in the computer from the child protection case register after they have
been solved for saving.
ix. Making social enquiry reports of children in need of care and protection capturing all the
details necessary so that it can be used in court.
x. Representing cases regarding children in the court with the children officer.
xi. Capturing data concerning bursaries given to the needy children in the computer.
xii. Offering guidance and counselling to the parents and children where needed.
xiii. Going on rescue missions where a child needs to be rescued from an unhealthy
environment and placed under care and protection.
xiv. Interviewing children who have undergone abuse i.e. sexual abuse, physical abuse
xv. Writing letters to the chiefs requesting them to investigate a matter on the ground and
take suitable action to solve the matter.

9
 xvi. Writing arrest warrants to the police requesting help in arresting a person who has been
called to the office and refused to come or a person found to be violating children rights

3.2 Relationship of work done with skills acquired in class.

i. Interviewing; from my learnt knowledge on interviews, I was able to retrieve
information from clients, suspects of child abuse and children in need of care and
protection.
ii. The legal process: in legal aspects and procedure, I learnt of the due process. The
various steps a case has to go through. This was applied when an arrest was made by
the police concerning a child matter, we as the Children Department had to represent
the child in court to ensure the rights of the child are protected.
iii. Conflict resolution: my knowledge from class enabled me to help in resolving conflict
between parents and between parents and children so that an understanding can be
met.
iv. Counselling and giving guidance: from psychology and learnt sociology, you get to
know where to offer guidance and counselling when talking to a client and a child
who has undergone torture and abuse. Also, some clients come to the office with
different questions, I offered guidance on how one would get helped out.
v. Human rights and freedoms: in my unit on Human rights, I learnt that human rights
are inherent, inalienable, and universal. One cannot live without some rights which
are very basic. In the Children Department, we dealt with the most basic rights that
ensure the survival and well-being of children. Some of these basic rights include;
right to life, right to food, right to education, right to clothing, right to shelter and the
right to healthcare.
vi. Communication: in communication skills, I learnt about the different channels of
communication, modes of communication, levels of communication, the use of
language etc. communication is one of the key elements in life and in the Children
Department, communication was equally important in communicating with clients,
children and the other staff in matters regarding children.
vii. The law: in my course of study, I have learnt about the different Acts of law that are
in the constitution that guide I different things and give mandate to different areas and

10
 departments. In the Children Department, the Constitution is very much used and the
Children Act. Both of them are used in solving different cases concerning children.
viii. Evidence collection: we went for very many field work cases while in the Children
Department whenever a case came up concerning a child. In these field work cases,
we gathered evidence that would be used in the court. I applied my knowledge from
class to get all the evidence I could find i.e. by using observation skills, interviewing.
Some of the cases included, physical assault, defilement. In many instances, most of
the victims need to be helped to get medical attention, which we did.
ix. Monitoring and supervision: I learnt a lot from the supervisor by monitoring how
work was done and handling cases since he allowed me to be present while he
handled cases in his office. This enabled me to carry out my duties well.
x. Writing skills: from the reports I wrote on children cases that were used in court, I
used whatever I learned in class, in communicating skills to perfect my writing of
reports. Whenever we went on field work case studies or received a case from the
police and when registering cases in the case register, I would write a short report
describing the case.
xi. Typing skills: from my computer lessons, I typed a lot of reports, letters, entering
cases into the computer and bursary information while I was at the Children
Department.
xii. Team work: I learnt to work as a team and embracing teamwork for better results.
Teamwork allows consultations and bringing together ideas

11
3.3 Challenges faced during practicum.
i. The amount of workload was relatively high due to shortage of staff.
ii. Language barrier where some clients could only speak their vernacular language and
could not understand any other language.
iii. Difficulty in handling some very rude clients who did not want to comply with what was
required of them.
iv. Difficulty in distinguishing different cases and where exactly to categorize them.
v. It was difficult for me to distinguish the areas over which the Children Department
covered exactly. The Children Department has jurisdiction over Manyatta but it was
difficult to know exactly which areas fall under Manyatta.
vi. Difficulty in adopting in the work environment: it was hard for me to adapt to the work
environment at first when I was new to the organization.

3.4 How the challenges were surmounted.

i. The office has increased the number of interns in the Children Department therefore
reducing the workload.
ii. Whenever there was language barrier, I would seek assistance from an interpreter who
understood the language and encourage the clients to use either Kiswahili or English for
better communication.
iii. I would become very tough on such clients to make them understand that it is mandatory
for them to take up their responsibilities because some of them simply refused for they
saw interns as unqualified and too young to be handling them. I would threaten some
with the court and the police and it was enough to make them agree to take their
responsibilities in ensuring the rights and welfare of children are protected.
iv. The Children Department has drawn up a list of case categories which I use to distinguish
cases into various categories i.e. lost/ lost and found, neglect, custody and defilement.
v. The Children Department has put a list of all the areas within Manyatta that are covered
by the Department.
vi. My supervisor came up with a schedule of duties that made it easier for one to know what
to do at what time and was patient enough to teach us what needed to be done and
repeated where one did not understand.

12
3.5 Professional contribution to organizational growth.
i. Conflict resolution: I have applied different means to help in resolving conflicts between
clients in the office i.e. through mediation and negotiation.
ii. Evidence collection and gathering: I have gathered evidence by applying skills used in
gathering evidence i.e. using interviews, interrogations in truancy cases
iii. Guidance and counselling skills: I have offered guidance and counselling to clients and
children who have come to the office and in need of guidance and counselling. Some
children who have been through abuse and traumatizing experiences in unwanted
families and separated families, defilement and such need counselling to help them cope
mentally.
iv. Creating awareness about children rights to both parents and children who came to the
office so as to ensure children rights and welfare are protected. Some of the rights include
right to life, right to shelter, right to food, right to clothing, right to education and the
right to health care.

13
 CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

4.1 professional observations about the work environment.
i. The staff were very friendly and guided me a lot during my attachment and made it easier
for me to consult whenever there was a challenge.
ii. The office had enough space for both the staff and the interns at the Department of
Children Services.
iii. The training offered to me has provided me with a better opportunity for job
opportunities after completion of my Diploma in Criminology and Security Studies.
iv. I was taught and directed on how to handle different workplace situations, expectations
and circumstances revolving around children welfare.
v. The Children Department helped me in developing my communication and client
handling and work-based skills within the period I was on attachment.
vi. I was given a chance to build my confidence and enlarge my vision by performing duties
and handling cases with little or no supervision at all.
vii. The time limit given by my supervisor for completion of duties and tasks given to me was
very realistic which enabled me to complete my tasks comfortably and without having to
rash and making a lot of mistakes.
viii. The staff are committed to excellence. They strive to deliver quality services to the
clients.
ix. The organization embraces new trends and technology and appreciates new skills from
different areas of knowledge.

14
4.2 Important things learnt during the attachment.
i. I have learnt the process of taking cases to the court and how the Children
Department represents children cases in the court of law.
ii. I have learnt how to write reports concerning children cases and making social
enquiries.
iii. I have learnt the process of committing children to alternative family care i.e.
guardianship and charitable children institutions i.e. children homes for care and
protection to safeguard their welfare and their future
iv. I have learnt how to handle cases brought to the office and dispose those that are not
to be handled at the department i.e. those that need to be handled by area chiefs, the
court and the police.
v. I have learnt on being punctual in all aspects i.e. arriving early at the office and
getting a task done within the required time.
vi. I have learnt to be patient and a good listener from interacting with clients. Some
clients do not know where to start and how to express themselves and it needs a lot of
patience so as to help the client. Others just need people to share with what they are
going through as they seek help, you have to listen to them to the end.
vii. I have learnt to adhere to the office rules and guidelines one of them being the
dressing code. Having not being used to official dressing while in campus, the office
has helped me in dressing well and decently.
viii. I have learnt to manage my time wisely while in the office by observing the reporting
and leaving time and allocating time according to the tasks of the day to ensure all of
them are completed at the right time.
ix. I learnt the importance of team work and working as a team. Working as an
individual takes time to complete a given task and the process of decision making can
be hard. Team work improves performance of duties and tasks given and making
better decisions as the best one will be settled on.

15
4.3 Recommendations to both the university and agency of attachment.
Recommendation to the university.

i. I highly recommend Embu college students from all corners to come for their attachment
at the Department of Children Services to gain knowledge and experience of the work
environment.
ii. The college should ensure that the institution supervisor makes regular visits to the
agency where a student is attached so as to check on the progress of the student.
iii. I recommend the college to make connections with different organizations that can offer
attachment to students so that students can be sent to such organizations. It has proven to
be such a difficult thing to secure attachment positions especially due to covid-19
because many offices do not have the space to hold attaches.
iv. I recommend the college to give the attachment letters early enough to enable students to
have enough time to secure places of attachment related to the courses they undertake.
v. The college should advocate minding of the student’s welfare during the attachment
period. This can be done by addressing the issue of some allowance to boost the morale
of students and cater for the day to day expenses such as meals and transport.

Recommendations to the agency.

i. Train the staff and the volunteers in the organization in data entry to avoid the last minute
rush in entering information like bursary details and children cases in the computer for
submission.
ii. Connection of internet in both offices with computers for easy data entry and research
purposes and easy communication through emails for enquiries.
iii. There is need to add subordinate staff to help in cleaning the offices.

16
4.4 Summary and conclusion.
It is evident Kenya is committed to upholding and realizing the rights and responsibilities of the
child. This commitment is expressed in various instruments, such as the Constitution and in
Statute, and by governmental and non-governmental actors who offer child protection services.
The Department of Children Services is in the forefront to ensure that children rights and welfare
are safeguarded to ensure a safer future for them. The three months period of attachment gives
students an opportunity to apply whatever that has been learned in class into practice and expose
them to the real work environment.

The 8 weeks have been a success for me and I have gained new knowledge and practical skills
that will be applied in my future endeavors. I have gained connections from the Department of
Children Services that I will use as references in the near future when seeking employment.

I am wherever that I am because my rights were protected as a child and my welfare

safeguarded. My future was put into consideration and protected. What the Department of
Children Services is doing is important and a responsibility of each and every citizen to ensure
our future is protected through our children.

4.5 Reference materials.

The Kenya Constitution.

The Children Act of 2001.

Child line Kenya, annual report 2012

United Nation Convention on The Rights of the Child.

UNICEF state of the world’s children, 2009.

Child protection (CPIMS) data.

The National Plan of Action for CTIP.

17
18