This article examines the challenges of foster care in Nigeria, highlighting risks of abuse—especially in informal placements—and questioning whether foster care is always necessary or suitable. It concludes that foster care should be a last resort, urging preventive measures and, where unavoidable, the use of safe and appropriate foster homes that prioritize the best interests of the child.

In this webinar, the Africa Working Group on Children Without Parental Care now called Family First for Children Without Parental Care, (FAFICA), explores key global debates and initiatives advancing care reform, including updates from the African Union and global events like the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.

Panama, Uganda, Sri Lanka and Czech Republic among those newly committing to totally prohibit violence against under-18s.

Register for an upcoming webinar hosted by UNICEF ESARO and WCARO on this new data titled “Data speak: Understanding the scale of sexual violence against children in Sub-Saharan Africa”, scheduled for 23rd October 2024 from 15:00 to 16:00 (Nairobi Time) | 12:00-13:00 (Dakar time).

In this workshop panelists explored UNICEF's Data and Analytics Section's protocols and tools for gathering data on children in residential care. 

This case study documents the complex process undertaken by a donor partner in Ireland* to push for the transition of their partner residential care service provider in Ghana. It follows their journey through the early stages of transition and eventually leads to their decision to divest of their funding and partnership.

Listen to transition support experts David Musa and Yatta Palmer of the Child Reintegration Centre (CRC) explain how transition is getting more children home to family and learn about the challenges, successes, and the powerful role of the CRC in revolutionizing child welfare in Sierra Leone.

Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has launched the National Care Reform Roadmap (NCRR) 2024-2028.

The Care Reform Roadmap (2024-2028) lays out the strategic actions for caring for vulnerable children in Ghana, led by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.

This article delves into the challenges faced by orphans in Nigeria, specifically focusing on their psychological development and overall welfare. The article advocates for a family-centric approach, which includes adoption, community-based upbringing, and initiatives to strengthen existing families.