An Introduction to Kafalah
UNICEF, Changing the Way We Care, 1 Mar 2023
About
Kafalah is an alternative family care option for children outside of parental care practised by Muslims around the world. The Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children (welcomed by the UN in 2009) recognise Kafalah as an “appropriate and permanent solution for children who cannot be kept in, or returned to, their families of origin”. It is also included in Article 20 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as a protection measure for a child temporarily or permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or for whose own best interests cannot be allowed to remain in that environment. Despite increased interest in Kafalah as an alternative care option for children, there is scant information and guidance for governments or practitioners on this form of care.
This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the nature and characteristics of Kafalah and identify effective strategies to support Kafalah. It covers the characteristics of Kafalah, its legal implications, what distinguishes Kafalah from other forms of family-based alternative care, and ongoing efforts to promote Kafalah in Eastern and Southern Africa. It concludes with implications for policy and practice.
