NATIONAL CARE REFORM ROADMAP COORDINATION COMMITTEE HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Department of Social Welfare, has inaugurated the National Care Reform Roadmap Coordination Committee as part of efforts to improve the care system for vulnerable children in Ghana.

The inaugural meeting marked the official commencement of work under the 2024–2028 Care Reform Roadmap, which aims to safely reintegrate at least 30% of children currently living in Residential Homes for Children into family-based care settings.

In a brief statement, the Chief Director of the Ministry and Chairperson of the Committee, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening child protection systems. She emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that all children in Ghana grow up in safe and nurturing family environments.

The Care Reform Initiative, launched by the Government of Ghana in 2006, seeks to promote family-based care, reduce overreliance on institutional care, and prevent the unnecessary separation of children from their families. The newly introduced Roadmap for 2024–2028 builds on this foundation and provides strategic direction for care reform efforts.

The Coordination Committee has been tasked with aligning policies, programmes, and interventions across sectors to drive the implementation of the Roadmap. Key functions include promoting timely reintegration of children into families, ensuring that children do not remain in Residential Homes longer than necessary, and identifying emerging issues for prompt response.

Committee members will serve a four-year term in line with the duration of the Roadmap. Membership comprises representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Department of Social Welfare, Ghana Police Service, Judicial Service, UNICEF, and several non-governmental organisations.

The meeting featured presentation on the Care Reform Roadmap, a review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference, and discussions on a proposed work plan to guide its activities.

Source: MoGCSP