Evolution of Family Policies in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

We examined the development of family policy in post-conflict Sierra Leone. The article begins with a review of the history of family policies in Sierra Leone in the context of the country’s recent turbulence and the challenges faced by the legal system in consistently addressing the needs of family members. We then discuss recent post-conflict government initiatives aimed at supporting and enhancing the well being of Sierra Leonean families. The article concludes with recommendations, for government and nongovernment organizations (international and local), as well as clinicians and researchers, aimed at protecting and promoting the family as an institution in which the needs of both the family unit and its individual members are met.