The need for a temporary care unit was identified in March 2015 when a phone call came from the Child and Family Protection Officer at the local police station, asking the project to provide safe custody for 22 children.  At that time there was no room to receive any more children, however 11 of the most vulnerable (aged 1 to 8 years) were admitted. The other children (aged 9 to 18 years) unfortunately had to stay in the cells at the local police station as there was no other option available, although we did provide mattresses, bedding, clothes and food during their 3 week stay. 

Later that year, grant funding was received from The Openwork Foundation to construct a purpose-built Temporary Care Unit which would enable the project to accept more cases for emergency temporary care.  Building started in November 2015, and was completed and opened by mid-June 2016.

Working closely with local Police, the Ugandan Government - Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development - and SAUTI Childline, the project provides a safe haven for emergency rescue cases. 

During the past 2 years, over 85 children have received temporary care, with most of them having been successfully reunified with family members. Children can stay for temporary care for anytime between 1 day and 6 months.

Click below to hear Olivia (Administrator and Head Social Worker) talk about Temporary Care.