The Oyo State Government and the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Oyo State Chapter, have called for the establishment of stronger support systems for caregivers and families to ensure the safety and proper development of vulnerable children.
The advocacy emerged during the 2026 COLLABORATE+ Oyo State Chapter programme, where stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for improving the protection and welfare of children in institutional and non-institutional care. The proponents of the move emphasised that protecting children requires a multi-faceted approach that moves beyond basic shelter to include psychological and family-based interventions.
Central to the discussion was the necessity of providing professional therapy for vulnerable children to address the emotional and developmental challenges often associated with abandonment, neglect, or family instability. Stakeholders argued that without such mental health support, the long-term social integration of these children remains at risk.
The call for enhanced care frameworks was made during the programme held in Oyo State, where the partnership between the government and ASOHON was highlighted as a key driver for social welfare reform.
Enhancing caregiver welfare and psychological support
Beyond direct intervention for children, the Oyo State Government and ASOHON identified the welfare of caregivers as a critical component of child protection. Participants noted that caregivers in orphanages and private homes often face significant emotional and financial pressures, which can directly impact the quality of care provided to the children under their supervision.
By strengthening support systems for these caregivers, the stakeholders aim to create more stable environments. This includes providing training, mental health resources, and social support to prevent burnout and ensure that care providers can meet the complex needs of children in their charge.
ASOHON, which regulates the operations of orphanages and homes across Nigeria, continues to push for higher standards of care. The involvement of the Oyo State Chapter in this collaborative programme signifies an effort to align local institutional practices with broader national and international child welfare standards. The focus remains on moving away from long-term institutionalisation in favour of family-based care models, which are recognised as being more beneficial for a child’s social and emotional growth.
The advocacy also points to the need for addressing the root causes of child vulnerability, such as extreme poverty and lack of parental education, through targeted state-led interventions. Strengthening the family unit is viewed as the most effective way to prevent children from entering the orphanage system in the first place.
The implementation of these recommendations will depend on the state’s ability to integrate psychological services into social welfare programmes and increase the capacity of agencies to support both families and institutional caregivers.
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