Where Should We Stay? Exploring the Options of Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ghana
Date
2012-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Center for Social Policy Studies - University of Ghana
Abstract
This study provides an insight into care arrangements for orphan and vulnerable children
in Ghana. It is an investigatory study using a mixed research method. Data was collected
from 2, 100 households across 7 regions of Ghana and 36 institutional homes. It is evident
that, there are a number of care arrangements available to orphan and vulnerable children
in the country which are broadly categorized under institutional, community-based, and
family/household care arrangements. Each of these care arrangements also has other subtypes
depending on mode of operation. Institutional homes were most prominent
followed by fosterage, adoption and house helps. Only one community-based ove care
arrangement was identified. These care arrangtlJllents provided all manner of care
services to ove, including education, food, health, socio-emotional and recreational
care services; yet, there are obvious situations of lack of capacity and adherence to
guidelines and regulations. Issues related to resources for home-based care were
pronounced. It is therefore imperative that the situation of orphans and vulnerable
children be carefully reconsidered. The capacity of the Department of Social Welfare
comes to the fore in the quest to redefined care arrangements for ove. Nonetheless, the
debate on care arrangements for ove lies in the adoption of a more. comprehensive
regulatory system with consideration for home-based care arrangements including
fosterage and adoption.
Description
Technical Paper
Keywords
Orphans, Vulnerable Children, Caring for, Ghana