STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 GMT on 19 FEBRUARY 2021By Mwibanda
Advocacy groups are urging the Ministry of Education to address the mental health challenges faced by children, particularly those who come into contact with the justice system.
Despite growing awareness of the need for mental health support, children entangled in legal issues often remain neglected, with their specific vulnerabilities frequently overlooked.
Margaret Njihia, a clinical psychologist and child therapist, highlighted the profound impact that natural disasters, conflict, and grief have on children’s mental well-being and development. “When discussing children and mental health, it is essential to include those in conflict with the law. These children are not inherently criminal; they are products of environments that have failed them,” she emphasized.
Njihia advocates for robust mental health support for these children through policies that equip educational institutions with necessary resources and training. She pointed out various forms of abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, which are prevalent among children in distressing environments. “Children growing up in households with chronic illness, violence, incarceration, or mental illness are particularly vulnerable,” she said.
She also noted a significant shortage of pediatricians trained in developmental issues and a lack of school counselors, which exacerbates the problem.
In Kenya, the gaps in providing adequate psychosocial support are evident. There is a lack of effective assessment mechanisms to identify and address the unique needs of these children, further highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health advocacy.
