Barriers to childcare in Children's Homes in Ghana: Caregivers' solutions

Alhassan Abdullah, Ebenezer Cudjoe, Esmeranda Manful - Children and Youth Services Review

Abstract

The care of children in need of alternative care is a matter of concern to government, nongovernmental organisations and international communities. Understanding the barriers to childcare and knowing the measures to overcome them are important in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in alternative care. Few studies exist on caregivers' suggestions of solutions to overcome barriers to childcare in Children's Homes in Ghana. Drawing on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 37 caregivers in two Children's Homes in Ghana, this study sought to explore caregivers' suggestions of solutions to barriers in childcare. This study adopted a phenomenological approach, reporting findings in participants' own words. The study findings revealed ensuring gender balance, the need for staff and interdisciplinary teams, and financially motivating caregivers as measures to overcome barriers in childcare. Professionals working with children in alternative care and policymakers should pay attention to these solutions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in care.