CHILD WELFARE

This study examined the problem of parental negligence and its implications for children’s welfare in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research sought to determine the prevalence, causes, and effects of parental negligence on children’s physical, emotional, and educational development, as well as to assess the role of social workers in addressing this growing social concern. Guided by Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through interviews with children, caregivers, and social workers using semi-structured interview guides. Findings revealed that poverty, single parenthood, substance abuse, cultural beliefs, and inadequate parental education were the major determinants of negligence in the study area. Neglect manifested through poor nutrition, lack of supervision, educational deprivation, and emotional abandonment, all of which negatively impacted children’s well-being and academic performance. The study further found that social workers play a critical role in identifying, counseling, and rehabilitating affected families, though their efforts are often constrained by poor funding, limited train\\ing, and weak policy enforcement. It was concluded that parental negligence significantly undermines children’s welfare and social development in Oredo LGA. The study recommends intensified community sensitization, stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act, increased government support for social work practice, and the establishment of sustainable child welfare programs to protect vulnerable children and break the intergenerational cycle of neglect.

This study examined the Challenges of Child Welfare and Protection Services in Uromi Town, Esan North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The main objective was to investigate the barriers hindering effective child welfare and protection in Uromi and to identify strategies for improving the well-being of children. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents, including caregivers, teachers, community leaders, and social workers, selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that harmful cultural practices, poverty, and weak law enforcement were the major challenges affecting child welfare in Uromi. Although awareness of child protection laws was relatively high, knowledge and utilization of available welfare services remained limited. Additionally, most cases of child abuse and neglect were underreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in existing structures. Encouragingly, the study found strong community willingness to participate in child protection initiatives if supported by government and NGOs. The study concludes that child welfare challenges in Uromi are rooted in cultural, economic, and institutional factors. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and practical implementation at the grassroots level. It is therefore recommended that government and NGOs: (i) engage community and religious leaders in awareness campaigns to discourage harmful practices, (ii) implement poverty alleviation and empowerment programs to reduce economic pressures on families, (iii) decentralize child welfare services through community-based social workers and confidential reporting systems, and (iv) establish participatory community child protection committees to harness local willingness and strengthen enforcement of child protection laws