Psychological Care of Looked-After Children in Kenya

Abstract

Many looked-after children have endured traumatic experiences. Provision of psychological based care approaches are implemented to promote their resilience within care setting and to optimize quality of life for those affected by chronic mental health conditions like post stress disorders. However, several prospects remain underutilised on how to best enhance the psychological well-being of children in care contexts in Kenya and globally. This paper situates contemporary approaches to psychological care within the context of attachment theory. The theory will be reviewed highlighting its practical implications for care givers providing psychological care to children and youth in care set up. An approach to integrating attachment theory with practice when working with looked after youth is illustrated using empirical literature on caring the looked after youth, and author’s experience in working with looked after youth. Finally, the article concludes with suggestions for intensification of psychological care research and enhancement of initiatives to improve mental health of looked after children.