May 31, 2022

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has unveiled the guidelines for “Alternative Care of Children in Lagos State” to ensure that those outside the usual family setting get the best care.

Unveiling the document at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, stated that the policy was initiated to ensure issues that result in seeking alternative care for children are addressed in the best interest of affected persons.

He said: “The guidelines are also informed by the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the African Charter on the Rights of Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and the United Nations Guidelines for the Alternative of Children (UN 2010)”.

“The Guidelines were designed to provide harmonised and standard guidance for child welfare as well as protection of practitioners to improve the quality of family support and alternative care services in the State”, he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Olugbemiga Ayoola Aina, noted that the guidelines were tailored to make caregiving impactful, effective and free from abuse, adding that the policy takes cognisance of the need to offer children vocational training and free social services.

On his part, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alabi, represented by ACP Mary Ayim, reiterated the passion of the Police for issues affecting children, noting that effective implementation of the policy requires collaboration with the public.

In their goodwill messages, the National Director, S.O.S Children Village, Mr. Eguosa Erhuwhus, the representative of Rule of Law and Anticorruption (RoLAC), Mrs. Ajibola Ifamakinwa and the representative of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Nwabueze Emeka, commended Lagos State for the launch of the policy document which would go a long way in curbing sharp practices as well as promoting the Child Rights Law.