Stakeholders from different sectors have brainstormed and galvanized support for the implementation and monitoring of alternative care for children in Plateau State.
This is in their quest to reduce incidences of abuse, infringements on rights and exploitation of vulnerable children in the state, which according to them, the protection for the vulnerable children can be achieved through the strengthening of state child protection structures and community safety nets for vulnerable children
To this end, the stakeholders brainstormed in Jos the Plateau State capital at a two-day workshop to work out practical steps for the implementation and monitoring in line with national and state guidelines.
The programme is part of the Strengthening Child Care and Protection Systems (SCPSN) Project funded by the European
Union.
From the overview, the project is a 36-month funded European Union initiative that aims to support relevant institutions, religious leaders, faith based organizations and communities to address age-long traditions and social norms that infringe on the rights of the child and promote the rights of the child including passage and implementation of the Child Rights Act.
“This project is designed to respond to key priority needs of strong childcare and protection systems which include strong institutions that drive the full implementation of the Child Rights law and other relevant policies and guidelines.
“This also included the Alternative Care
Guidelines, improved capacity of duty bearers on child care, protection and safeguarding, strong mechanisms at the community level that prevents and responds to issues of child abuse, empower families, transformation of cultural and traditional practices that promote child rights violations and de-institutionalization of care.
“This Project is being implemented by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, in partnership with the
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF), and SOS Norway in 3 states, which include Borno, Edo, Plateau States and at National Level (FCT)
“The overall objective is to contribute to a functional childcare and protection systems that promote quality care and social welfare services for vulnerable children in Edo, Borno, and Plateau States in Nigeria.
“The specific objective is to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Law and the promotion of Quality Alternative Care Guidelines for vulnerable children in Borno, Edo, and Plateau States.
“And at the National level, the objective is to reduce incidences of abuse, infringements on rights, and exploitation of children
through the strengthening of state child protection structures and community safety nets for vulnerable children,” the overview partly read.
In his remarks during the workshop, the Project Manager of SOS Children’s Village Nigeria, Plateau Location, Modestus Nwaulu, said they are committed to ensuring that every child grow up in a stable and caring family environment.
The Project Manager explained that they have been supporting vulnerable children, strengthening families and empowering communities, including family life care, family strengthening, youths empowerment, child safeguarding, humanitarian response, capacity development for civil society actors and others.
“Our mission has always been that of childcare, and no child should grow up alone; every child deserves love, protection and opportunity to reach their full potentials.
“Together we can ensure that every child, regardless of their background, grows up loved, protected and supported,” he noted.
According to him, the knowledge the participants will gain will directly improve the life of children and families across Pateau State, adding that the responsibility they therefore carry is profound, but so is the difference they can make.
On her part, Barri Rebecca who represented the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said they will keep renewing their commitment to ensuring that every Plateau child grow up safe, nurtured and supported across the communities.
She said children face risks of neglect and exploitation to family separation, conflict and poverty, and that addressing the challenges requires not only compassion for the children but coordinated evidenced-based action.
According to her, the childcare guideline they want to operationalize is a vital tool as it offers clear standards, practical steps and child- entered approaches that and show caregivers, social workers, institutions and community actors deliver care that is in line with global best practices which reflect local realities.