Inventory and Assessment of Childcare Centers in Southeast Nigeria: Analyzing the Child Protection Policy in Nigeria

Abstract

Children have the right to life, survival and development but also a right to be protected from any form of abuse. In recent years, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of adherence to safety and protection guidelines, as a considerable number of children at childcare centers suffer abuse and are at risk, as they do not receive quality medical, emotional or school-related assistance. The broad objective of this study focused on inventory and assessment of childcare centers in Southeast Nigeria: Analyzing the child protection policy in Nigeria. The institutional theory was used to interrogate factors undermining effective implementation of child protection policies in safeguarding vulnerable children in Southeast, Nigeria. The paper was based on interviews, observations and narratives on child protection policies found in extant literature. This study identified how cultural practices, limited awareness and enforcement remains weak due to institutional inefficiencies among caregivers and stakeholders which led to child abuse, despite the Child Rights Act, of 2003 in Nigeria. Thus, it advocates for a dire need for revamping of Nigeria’s social protection space, signposting the relevance of public policy makers to such a cause. This will ensure effective social protection of vulnerable children.