Displaying 1 - 10 of 18
This article delves into the challenges faced by orphans in Nigeria, specifically focusing on their psychological development and overall welfare. In 2003, there were an estimated 7 million orphans in the country, a number projected to rise to 8.2 million by 2010. This increase underscores the significant challenges posed by factors such as HIV/AIDS, conflict, and poverty.
Globally, the orphan crisis is alarming, with predictions suggesting that by 2020, as many as 200 million children worldwide could be without parental care. The study emphasizes the importance of offering childcare…
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…
Purpose:
This article examines the practice of customary child fostering in Nigeria and the state of parental rights in such a situation. Customary child fostering is a long-lasting practice in Nigeria, and it has an impact on parental rights. The significance of the practice and its impacts in mostly Nigerian traditional communities raise the question of its regulation so as to safeguard children's rights as well as parental rights. Hence the adoption of the Child Rights Act 2003 by Nigeria is regarded as a comprehensive approach to quelling a socio-cultural conflict.
Design/…
Abstract: The wide gap between the demand for children and the available adoptable children in Nigeria meets with anecdotal claims on the existence of corrupt practices and systemic vulnerabilities within the child adoption domains. This study investigated the exactitude of these claims on the corridor of child adoption in Nigeria. Data were collected through sessions of qualitative interviews with adoption officials, legal practitioners, and intending/prospective adopters and orphanage managers. Findings revealed that the claims of corrupt practices within the system were not only…
ABSTRACT: The level of poverty in Imo state since the present democratic dispensation is easily discernable especially when the conditions of orphans in the state are considered. This study investigates and assesses the experiences of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) who live with poverty, insecurity and social stigmatization in Owerri due largely to reasons of loss of parent(s) or being born by parents who are not there to take responsibilities for them. The purpose of the study is to inform and reform social policy by providing a better understanding of the suffering of orphans in our…
Abstract
Introduction: The population of orphaned children is increasing at devastating levels especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Orphaned children are at increased risk of health and social problems, including nutritional problems. In Nigeria only very little data exists on the nutritional status of children living in orphanages. This study therefore aimed to assess the eating patterns, dietary diversity and the nutritional status of children residing in orphanages in southwestern Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-section al study among 260 children in selected…
Abstract
Despite the writings of feminist thinkers and efforts of other advocates of feminism to change the dominant narratives on women, exploitation of women is a fact that has remained endemic in various parts of the world, and particularly in Africa. Nigeria is one of those countries in Africa where women are largely exposed to varying degrees of exploitation. This paper examines the development and proliferation of baby-selling centers in southern Nigeria and its impacts on and implication for women in Nigeria. It demonstrates how an attempt to give protection to unwed pregnant girls…
Abstract
Article 3 of the United Nations on the Rights and Welfare of Children provides that in all matters concerning children, the consideration of the best interest of the child must be primary. Placement of children must therefore be child-centred. The increasing use of child adoption as a management strategy for infertility results into creating a wide gap between the demand for child adoption and the available adoptable children. This raises a concern over the management of adoption request, particularly in ensuring the best interest of the child…
Abstract
This article examines the aftercare experiences of young people who have recently left a residential care institution in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research design with 20 care leavers, and data collected were analyzed using Attride-Stirling’s thematic networks analytical tool. The young care leavers’ aftercare experiences were marked by many challenges with employment, finances, living and surviving alone, accommodation, and social integration. These challenges were due to inadequate preparation for independent living, as well as their…
The First International Conference of the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with the theme “Emerging and Contemporary Social Issues: The place of Social Work Education and Practice in Nigeria” was held 10-13 September 2018 and included 96 oral presentations of papers by delegates from across the country. Several papers focused on illegal adoptions of children in Nigeria and the role of social workers in addressing this practice. Papers related to illegal adoptions in Nigeria include the following:
- Social Work Intervention against Illegal Child…