Anambra Government Adopts Alternative Care Guidelines for Children

By Ukpa Ewa

The Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with Child Protection Network (CPN) and with funding support from SOS Children’s Villages, has officially adopted and validated the state guideline on alternative care for children. The two-day event was held at the Ministry’s conference hall in Awka.

The guidelines, aligned with the national framework launched in July 2024 with UNICEF and EU support, emphasize family-based care over institutional placements, aiming to safeguard children’s rights and well-being while strengthening regulatory systems.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabor, said the adoption followed thorough consultations and reflects the cultural and social realities of Anambra.

She explained that the revised framework goes beyond technical reforms by mandating compulsory training for child-facing personnel, integration of background checks with the Ministry of Justice Sexual Offenders Register, stricter reference verification systems, expanded adoption procedures and regular medical check-ups with systematic monitoring of placements.

Resource Person, Isreal Orji, Executive Director of Solace Hub for Health and Rights Initiative who moderated the sessions, explained that the review process involved Civil Society Organizations, leading to context-specific changes.

He said participants unanimously agreed that street children will now be officially referred to as Umuagbataobi instead of Almajiri, while foster caregivers will be known as Onyenedo, a move aimed at reducing stigma and fostering community acceptance.

Participants also stressed the need for stronger data collection systems from local governments and communities, as well as background checks for all caregivers.

They noted that while families remain the foundation of child protection, government must provide clear guidance to protect children in vulnerable situations.

The event drew participants from Civil Society Organizations, the media , Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), law enforcement agency, representatives of Technical Working Group ( TWG), Children’s Parliament, relevant MDA’s including the State Coordinator CPN Anekwe Eucharia Ijeoma , Director of Child Department Ekene Anaesona and child protection advocates, who all endorsed the adapted document as a working tool for strengthening child welfare in Anambra State.