By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki In order to ensure welfare and protection of child's rights, a group popularly known as Child Protection Netwo
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
In order to ensure welfare and protection of child’s rights, a group popularly known as Child Protection Network Nigeria(CPN), supported by SOS Children’s village has finalized state guidelines for the alternative care of children in Ebonyi State in order to ensure the welfare and protection of Children’s right, more especially the vulnerable ones.
The state guidelines for the alternative care of children was facilitated by Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
In his address, the State Cordinator of Child Protection Network(CPN), Pastor Gabriel Odom commended CPN members generally,more especially, the team that are working for the state guidelines for the alternative care of children project for their dogged efforts and commitment to ensure success.
He noted that dedication and commitment is important in order to project Ebonyi State in a very good light.
Further more, the HOD Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,Mr Emmanuel Nkwuda explained that his office is saddled with the responsibilities of promotion, protection of child right in Ebonyi State, adding that their work is anchored on four pillars of Rights; Development, Survival, Protection and Participation.
He noted that the purpose of the meeting is to review and make necessary corrections on what the project team has done about National Guidelines on Alternative Care for Children, Ebonyi State Document, adding that a critical look at child right law indicates gaps and those gaps made children vulnerable; and that is what the team are trying to fill.
The resource person for the Domestication of the National Guidelines on Alternative Care for Children in Ebonyi State,Dr.Sikiru Ibrahim- Olesin, while making his presentation,stated that Alternative Care refers to organized arrangements put in place for children who cannot remain in their own family environment because of such factors as abandonment, violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, disaster, seperation, conflict, parental death etc.Or decision made in child best interest.
He highlighted types of Alternative Care to include: Kingship care with relatives,or close family friends; foster care under trained caregivers supervision,residential care in group homes, adoption and legal guidance among others.
He maintained that strengthening family support services to prevent separation, utilizing case management systems for individualized plans, training caregivers in child’s development, promoting community awareness and partnership models are the best practices and innovations across the globe.
While making recommendations, Dr Sikiru urged stakeholders and government to review and finalize Ebonyi State guidelines, invest in caregiver training and support mechanisms, establish robust monitoring and evaluation framework, promote data-driven decision making and research collaboration.
While x-raying the importance, Dr Sikiru said that Alternative care matter,because millions of children live without adequate parental care, saying that Alternative Care aims to restore stability, safety, and opportunity because damage incured during this early period is frequently irreversible.
In an interview with the participants, Akuma Pascal Ifeanyichukwu and Omoha Chinasa appreciated the efforts of the group in ensuring the welfare and well-being of children in Ebonyi State, saying that the review of the document will go a long way to protect and preserve the future of our children, more especially the vulnerable ones.
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