Supporting 350 Female Detainees in Sierra Leone

At AdvocAid, we believe that every woman, girl, and child deserves dignity, protection, and an enabling environment — even when in detention. While we continue to advocate for alternatives to juvenile detention, such as the diversion model, we also provide practical, life-changing support to those who remain in correctional facilities, approved schools, and remand homes.

During one of our welfare support visits in Freetown, the atmosphere was filled with hope. Children recited moving poems, sang songs with powerful messages, and danced with joy — brief but precious moments that reminded everyone of their resilience despite the harsh reality of life in detention. • 120 women in detention • 2 juvenile girls and 48 juvenile boys at the Approved School and Remand Home • 5 children living with their mothers in detention The packages included food items such as garri, sugar, and milk for all, with slippers for the juveniles, and nutritional, sanitary, and clothing support for the youngest children. These children are particularly vulnerable — the government provides only minimal medical visits for their mothers, leaving all other needs unmet.

In many cases, they receive no support from relatives. Without AdvocAid’s intervention, these children would go without basic necessities. One mother told us: “We have been abandoned by our relatives. If not for AdvocAid, we would not have food and other items for our babies.” A juvenile girl shared: “We are grateful for the support provided by AdvocAid — other organizations hardly remember to support us.” Our intervention does more than fill an immediate gap — it helps women, girls, and children live with dignity, supports healthy growth for the youngest detainees, and reinforces that they are not forgotten. • Provided prompt nutritional and sanitary aid for children living with their mothers in detention. • Restored dignity and hope for women and girls through basic personal items.

The children living in detention with their mothers require monthly welfare support — baby foods, sanitary supplies, and clothing — to ensure their health and wellbeing.

AdvocAid also aims to extend emergency support to children held in police stations and provide post-prison assistance to women upon release.

With your continued support, we can meet these urgent needs and work toward a future where no child grows up behind bars.