The UKR Family Care Model
A Structured, Rights-Based Pathway from Vulnerability to Thriving Independence
About The UKR Family Care Model
Introduction
The Family Care Model is the core program of United Kenya Rising (UKR). It is a holistic, family-centered, and rights-based approach designed to strengthen vulnerable households socially, economically, and psychosocially.
The model recognizes that the family is the primary and most critical environment for a child’s growth, protection, and development. When families are stable and empowered, children are protected, dignity is restored, and communities become resilient.
Operating in Kakamega and Vihiga Counties, the Family Care Model walks alongside families through a structured three-year transformation journey. The journey begins with stabilizing urgent risks, progresses into deliberate capacity building, and culminates in sustainable independence.
UKR does not replace families. UKR strengthens them.
Our Program Philosophy
Partnership, Not Handouts
The Family Care Model is built on partnership. Families are active participants in their own development, not passive recipients of aid.
Each family:
- Co-creates a Family Action Plan.
- Commits to structured participation.
- Implements agreed-upon activities.
- Takes increasing ownership over time.
Support is:
- Time-bound
- Goal-oriented
- Conditional upon participation
- Designed to build long-term capacity
Objective: Dignity and independence — not dependency.
2.1 Proportionate and Rights-Based Support
Assistance is:
- Appropriate to the level of risk
- Time-bound
- Respectful of family dignity
- Designed to reduce long-term vulnerability
2.2 Strengthening and Preserving the Family Unit
All interventions aim to:
- Build parental capacity
- Strengthen household systems
- Ensure children remain in family-based care whenever possible
Legal and Rights-Based Foundation
The Family Care Model aligns with international child protection standards and the Children Act 2022, ensuring that all actions prioritize children’s rights within family systems.
- Alignment with International Child Protection Principles - Guided by the Principle of Necessity as advanced by UNICEF, UKR affirms that children thrive best within safe, stable, and nurturing family environments.
- Alignment with the Children Act (2022) - The Family Care Model operationalizes key provisions of the Children Act (2020) by ensuring:
- The best interests of the Family and child guide all assessments, decisions, and interventions.
Sustainable Development Goals We Advance
The five Pillars (5 guiding Stars) of
Family Care Model
Education
Livelihoods
Agriculture
Dignified Homes
Health and Sanitation
The Four Phases of the Family Care Journey
The Family Care Model follows a structured, time-bound progression over three years. Each phase builds upon the previous one to ensure sustainable impact.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Safeguarding
The Family Care Model includes:
• Baseline and periodic household assessments.
• Structured home visits.
• Phase-based progress evaluations.
• Child safeguarding reporting mechanisms.
• Documentation of measurable impact indicators.
Monitoring ensures accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Ready to Transform a Family’s Future?
At United Kenya Rising, we believe every family deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope. Join us as we walk alongside vulnerable families toward lasting transformation.