Stories
May, 2026
FAMILY-CENTRED JUSTICE: WHY KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER MATTERS
Every year on May 15, the world observes the International Day of Families, a United Nations observance established in 1993 to recognize the importance of families as the foundation of society. This year, Justice Nest commemorated the day in a powerful and deeply human way by organizing a special family visiting day at Lang’ata Women’s Prison under the theme #SheIsStillMyMom.
At the heart of the event was one simple but important message: imprisonment does not erase motherhood, because to a child a mother will always be a mother.
For many children affected by imprisonment, separation from a parent can result in emotional pain, confusion, stigma, and disrupted family relationships. Yet maintaining family connection plays a critical role in emotional healing, rehabilitation, reintegration, and the wellbeing of both children and imprisoned mothers.
Through this initiative, Justice Nest created a safe, warm, and restorative environment where imprisoned mothers could reconnect with their children and loved ones beyond the limitations of ordinary prison visits.
The day brought together imprisoned mothers, children, relatives, prison leadership, formerly imprisoned mothers, volunteers, and partners in a celebration centered on dignity, healing, and hope.
Children spent the day laughing, playing, drawing, praying, sharing meals, and embracing their mothers. Some reunions were emotional, with mothers and children meeting after long periods apart. Others found comfort in simply sitting together, talking freely, and creating joyful memories.
Activities during the day included:
- Drawing therapy and psychosocial support sessions
- Tug-of-war games, facepainting and a bouncing castle for children
- Shared lunch for families
- Prayer and counselling sessions
- Performances by prison participants, Princess Rose, and a puppetry team
- Cake cutting and celebration moments
- Distribution of hygiene packs to imprisoned mothers
- Gifts and home shopping items for children
- Memory photographs for families
The event also featured speeches from Justice Nest’s Executive Director and Founder Ms. Miriam Wachira, Guest of Honour Hon. Henry Wanyoike, prison management, supporters and Justice Nest clients who shared personal testimonies on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Recognizing that transport costs often prevent families from maintaining contact with imprisoned loved ones, Justice Nest coordinated transportation for families from Kencom in Nairobi to Lang’ata Women’s Prison and back, ensuring children and relatives could attend the event without additional financial burden.
The celebration highlighted the importance of family-centred justice approaches that prioritize children’s rights, emotional wellbeing, restorative justice, and successful reintegration into society.
At Justice Nest, we believe that preserving family bonds strengthens rehabilitation outcomes and reminds children that they are not forgotten. Sometimes, simply helping a child hug their mother again can restore a sense of belonging and hope that words cannot fully explain.
Support Our Work
Families affected by imprisoned continue to face emotional and financial challenges that often go unseen. Your support can help us:
- Sponsor future family visits
- Support children affected by imprisoned
- Expand psychosocial support and therapy programs
- Strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives
- Provide dignity packs and family support services
Together, we can continue building a justice system that values healing, dignity, and family connection. Support: www.justicenest.org/domate
Because #SheIsStillMyMom.
Janett & Beth
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