Government launches community case management guidelines

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, has today launched the community case management guidelines and statutory case management handbook and information management system aimed at promoting uniformity and cohesion in the provision of case management at community level.

Ms Mwamba said the case management guidelines and statutory case management and thematic tools are also going to help social welfare officers as they work with children requiring various child protection services as prescribed by the children’s code act and other pieces of legislation.

She was speaking at the launch in Lusaka today.

“In our quest to improve the quality of service to vulnerable children, adolescent and their families, the ministry adopted the case management approach which is increasingly being adopted as best practice in effectively addressing the needs of vulnerable people in our communities,” she said.

Ms Mwamba pointed out that the approach used to come up with the guidelines is client-centered.

Speaking at the same event, UNICEF Zambia Country Representative, Penelope Campbell, said the launch will guide social welfare officers to reach everyone in need of help.

“By launching this today, we are caring for those who care for others, ultimately this social welfare workforce is here to make sure that children, even the most excluded are healthy and are learning,” she said.

Meanwhile, USAID Health Office Director, Daniel Sinclair, said the launch of the case management handbook is key to sustainable development in Zambia.

Mr Sinclair has since urged all stakeholders to be accountable in validating the development of the guidelines.