In a landmark step toward strengthening child welfare, the Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN) and other stakeholders, has validated new guidelines on Alternative Care for Children, designed to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children in the state.
The validation exercise, held in Abakaliki, brought together child protection experts, government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders to review and endorse the draft framework that will guide how children without adequate parental care are protected and supported.
Presenting the draft document, the resource person, Dr. Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, explained that the guidelines are built around three key areas: General Introduction, Care Options, and Implementation Strategies. He stressed that the document is tailored to provide structured support systems that ensure no child is left without care or protection.
The Director of Child Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Emmanuel Nkwuda, hailed the development as a milestone for child protection in Ebonyi, assuring that the Ministry will provide every necessary support to make the guidelines effective.
Stake Coordinator of CPN, Pastor Gabriel Odom, made a passionate appeal for stronger government backing, particularly in funding and logistics, to bring the document to life. According to him, “Many children in Ebonyi are suffering from neglect and lack of parental care. These guidelines, if fully implemented, will bring solace, restore dignity, and give them a chance to grow in a safe and nurturing environment.”
The event also had in attendance representatives from the Ministry of Budget, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organizations. Together, they endorsed the guidelines as a shared responsibility and called for collective action to give every child in Ebonyi State the chance of a secure and meaningful future.
The document was formally validated on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, with an appeal to stakeholders to apply it judiciously in their work.
With the validation of the Alternative Care Guidelines, Ebonyi has taken a significant step toward ensuring that vulnerable children—those who are orphaned, abandoned, or without parental care—are not left behind, but are protected, supported, and given hope for a brighter tomorrow.
