Abstract:
The research was birthed out of a critical observation of the high incidence of non-maintenance
of children whose parents are separated. It was imperative that a research be conducted to
identify the challenges associated with the implementation of child maintenance provisions so
that such findings may be used by policy actors to initiate the needed interventions as a proper
implementation process will subsequently lead to the curbing of this issue. It was also imperative
that this research was conducted along gender lines because our patriarchal way of life which
makes fathers bread winners whiles mothers are care-givers and this arrangement as reinforced
by our laws does not change even after separation of the couples. The specific objectives of the
study were: (1) To review existing policies and laws on child maintenance, (2) To identify
challenges faced by child maintenance institutions, and (3) To identify challenges faced by
custodial mothers who assess the various institutions. A qualitative research design was used in
this study, which included six key informants interviews with respondents selected from four
institutions, namely: The La-Nkwatanang Madina Municipal Assembly, Department of Social
Welfare, Panel members of The Family Tribunal of Madina District Magistrate Court as well as
Madina, Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit. These were purposively selected as
samples for the study. In addition, fifteen custodial mothers; comprising five women from each
of the direct service institutions were also interviewed. Main challenges identified by the study
were inadequacy of resource, lack of coordination, lack of capacity building as well as major
gaps in the various laws. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that
resources should be made available to facilitate the work of service providers as well as periodic
capacity building for service providers.
