Implementation Challenges in Enforcing Child Maintenance Provisions in Madina

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.