Where Should We Stay? Exploring the Options of Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in 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.