LAUNCH OF NATIONAL CARE REFORM ROADMAP TO PROTECT CHILDREN

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in partnership with UNICEF, unveiled the National Care Reform Roadmap (2024-2028) on Friday, May 10, 2024, with the aim of tackling child protection issues across the nation.

The comprehensive Care Reform Roadmap (2024-2028) document delineates strategic actions for the Care Reform Programme (CRP) in Ghana.

These actions include legislative reforms, bolstering the social welfare workforce, and advocating for alternative family-based care options like foster care.

The overarching objective is to establish a framework that prioritizes the well-being of children while reinforcing family-based care options.

During the launch event, Hon. Dakoa Newman, the Minister Designate for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, emphasized the timeliness of the Care Reform Roadmap’s development.

She highlighted its significance in providing necessary action and guidance to Social Welfare and Community Development Officers at all levels, enabling children to grow up in safe and nurturing family environments.

Additionally, she outlined three main strategic actions of the roadmap. These actions aim to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Department of Social Welfare, enhance the availability of quality care and protection services for vulnerable children at the sub-national level, and empower families to prevent unnecessary family separation and harmful practices.

In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Chief Director Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare, Director of the Department of Social Welfare, underscored the document’s role in ensuring accountability among stakeholders and reinforcing the importance of family-based care for children.

Mr. Fiachra McAsey, Deputy Country Representative of UNICEF, highlighted the ambitious yet achievable goal of the Care Reform Roadmap: to significantly increase successful reintegration of children with their families and communities, thereby reducing the number of children living in institutional care by 30% over the next five years.

He reiterated UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all children.

The National Care Reform Roadmap (2024-2028), having undergone thorough review and validation, aims to address challenges faced by children in residential care and the emergence of new homes while striving to improve the reunification of these children with their families.

Source: MoGCSP