Authors:Peter Mbah, Nkemdilim Anazonwu, Chukwuedozie Kenechukwu Ajaero Abstract: Nigeria has many child welfare policies; however, many do not have effective impact on the welfare of children. . Economic dynamics in Nigeria and the introduction of the neoliberal state and economic policies which led to the breakdown of the family structure undermine the implementation of child welfare policies in Nigeria. This study argues that the introduction of the neoliberal state, that is a minimalist state and its economic policies such as privatization, removal of state subsidies and deregulation undermine the implementation of existing child welfare policies in Nigeria. These policies are market and profit driven perspective which has a significant impact on the prospects of sustainable development and welfare of children. The aim of the study is therefore to explain how the introduction of neoliberal economic policies created a gap in policy implementation in which children are not provided for within the social safety nets in the neoliberal Nigeria. These gaps have increased the rate of exclusion and integration of children in the area of education, health, protection, nutrition and wellbeing among others. This is mainly because the priorities of neoliberal policies are to expand market forces, facilitate open competition, enhance mass production, attract foreign investment, and maximize consumption which in many ways undermines child welfare and development. The article adopts a methodology involving qualitative research based on interviews of 70 participants and analyzed using thematic analysis. PubDate: 2023-05-04 Issue No:Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Stanley Oloji Isangha, Tosin Yinka Akintunde, Tam Cherry Hau Lin, Anna Wai Man Choi Abstract: Research in Africa indicates an increasing number of children needing a secure and stable alternative family environment, yet the commonly used kinship care system is insufficient to meet this need requiring the support of non-kinship care. This study examined the socioeconomic and demographic drivers of willingness to foster non-kin children among mothers in Nigeria. Data from 779 mothers of children ages 2-10 were analyzed using Pearson correlation matrix and linear regression analysis to examine the associations among socioeconomic/demographic characteristics and willingness to foster. Attributes of the mothers such as region, neighborhood (rural or urban), education, occupation, and age are some determinants of willingness to foster, which also varies across children with special needs, diversity, and under six. Efforts to improve non-kinship foster care in Nigeria should consider mothers’ socioeconomic and demographic attributes when seeking to attract foster parents. The findings of this study provide implications for research, social work practice, and education in Nigeria and Africa. PubDate: 2023-05-03 Issue No:Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Edward Asamoah, Er-Menan Amaniampong, Esmeranda Manful, Nelson Gyasi-Boadu, Elizabeth Nana Mbrah Koomson-Yalley Abstract: Achieving inclusive and quality education for all children remains a significant problem amidst several policies in sub-Saharan Africa. This study explores challenges facing children with disabilities in mainstream inclusive education-based basic schools in a sub-Saharan Ghanaian context. A qualitative photovoice approach was employed to highlight the experiences of six (6) pupils with disabilities. Findings revealed three main themes: unfriendly environments, inaccessible physical structures, and lack of assistive equipment, reflecting significant challenges confronting children with disabilities in inclusive education settings. Social support from colleagues without disabilities, however, acted as a major coping resource for pupils with disabilities. The study has implications for policy an PubDate: 2023-04-21 Issue No:Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Henry T Ajibo, Jacinta Ene Abstract: The employment of under-18 domestic helpers is common in Nigeria. Our study provides evidence of abuse of these domestic helpers, and identifies policy and practice gaps that have allowed it. A phenomenological and descriptive research design was used. Data was elicited from 13 respondents. The results show that there were no social protective services available for abused under-18 domestic helpers in South-eastern Nigeria. There were reports of psychological, emotional, and physical abuses, causing them to experience suboptimal development into adulthood. Absence of qualified social workers in local authorities, with the mandate to pursue child protection has contributed to the thriving of abuse of under-18 domestic helpers. The study recommends efforts by stakeholders to develop strategies and identify adequate funds for effective child protection services. Social work advocacy for community education and raising the awareness of the dangers of abuse of under-18 domestic helpers is crucial. PubDate: 2023-04-05 Issue No:Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
Authors:Esmeranda Manful, Inusah Karim Abstract: Child neglect is the most contested type of child maltreatment as its definition and measurement are more subjective, however, the less researched area of concern is the basis of its construction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore what low-income families deem as child neglect to inform more acceptable interventions for both Social Workers and families to ensure better outcomes for children. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study in Assin Assempanaye, a low-income community in the Central Region of Ghana. Adopting an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach with an in-depth interview guide, 18 parents from different households’ views were explored using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that age and expected social behaviour were the basis for neglect. Where omission of care for a child below 10 years was deemed as parental failure, for those, 10-17 years, the incidence of neglect was linked to the child’s failure to conform to the reciprocal social relationship between a parent and a child. It is suggested that Social Workers have to address adolescent neglect differently in programme interventions by also focusing on social role expectations. PubDate: 2023-04-05 Issue No:Vol. 24, No. 1 (2023)
Open Access journal
