The DIRECTORATE draws its mandate from the Constitution of Kenya, The Children Act 2022 and the Executive Order No. 1 of 2023.

The Constitution of Kenya, Article 53; states

(1) Every child has the right—

1. To a name and nationality from birth.
2. To free and compulsory basic education.
3. To basic nutrition, shelter, and health care.
4. To be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhuman treatment, and punishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour.
5. To parental care and protection, which includes equal responsibility of the mother and father to provide for the child, whether they are married to each other or not.
6. Not to be detained, except as a measure of last resort, and when detained, to be held—
7. For the shortest appropriate period; and
8. Separate from adults and in conditions that take account of the child ‘s sex and age.
9. A child ‘s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.
10. In the process of implementing the constitution, the Directorate of Children’s Services safeguards the rights and welfare of children and assists in the establishment, promotion, coordination and supervision of services and facilities designed to advance the wellbeing of children and their families.
11. Section 37. (1)  of the children act 2022 provides mandate of the Directorate of children’s services through  establishment of  the Office of the Secretary of Children Services which shall be an office in the public service.
12. .
13. These include.
14. regulate, coordinate, manage, and supervise children’s officers in delivery of the welfare and administration of children services.
15. be responsible for establishing, administering, and maintaining child protection centres, rehabilitation schools and a remand home in every county.
16. maintain up-to-date records and data on management of children services including access to welfare amenities for children.
17. investigate, monitor, and report cases of children facing hardship.
18. identify, formulate, and develop programmes to mitigate children facing hardship for the consideration of the Council.
19. assist children in hardship, including children with disabilities, children living in the street, orphaned and destitute children, children who abuse drugs, children who are sexually abused and children who are affected by domestic violence.
20. inquire, investigate, assess, and prepare reports in accordance with this Act or any other written law in accordance with any direction of a court.
21. implement any direction of court including providing social or administrative support.
22. safeguard the welfare of a child placed under care by virtue of a care order or interim order.
23. procure accommodation for a child who is abandoned, in need of refuge, safety or appropriate custody.
24. provide services to trace, reintegrate, or restore a lost or an abandoned child with parent or a guardian.
25. intervene and secure the removal of a child in need of care and protection to a place of safety.
26. promote family reconciliation and mediate in disputes involving children, parents, guardians, or persons who have parental responsibility in the manner provided under this Act.
27. provide services to assess a child placed under care and support services to counsel, and guide children and families.
28. facilitate medical treatment for a child in police custody or in a children’s remand home.
29. provide guidance and assistance for a child during a proceeding in court.
30. supervise administration of children institutions including children’s rehabilitation centres,
31. charitable children’s institutions and remand homes to safeguard and promote the welfare of a children.
32. provide quarterly reports relating to management of children’s rehabilitation centres, charitable children’s institutions, and remand homes.
33. safeguard the welfare of children in foster care.