This policy brief from Better Care Network explains the effects and risk factors associated with experiencing violence in childhood, including life-long physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health problems. The brief also points to recent evidence which shows that removing a child from an abusive home and placing them into alternative care does not always mean an end to violence against children and that children removed from the home and placed into alternative care often face an increased risk of exposure to violence, with younger children and children with disabilities being particularly vulnerable. The brief outlines legal frameworks providing guidelines and recommendations for alternative care in the African context and concludes with recommendations for preventing family separation and ensuring suitable alternative care when necessary.
This policy brief was released with Better Care Network's discussion paper Violence Against Children and Care in Africa.
