The Research Uptake Communications (RUC 2015) Campaign
Where Should We Stay? Exploring the Options for Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ghana
The Research Study
This was an investigative study commissioned by the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare with funding from UNICEF. The study provided an insight into care arrangements for orphaned and vulnerable children in Ghana.
Manye Esther with School Children on Community visit . Manye Makutsu with Community Children
Source: http://manyakrobo.blogspot.com
The debate over where Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) should stay has been ragging for some time now. Whereas some have argued for institutionalization of care for OVCs others have opted for fosterage arrangements. The study provided insights into the prevailing care arrangements for OVCs in Ghana and how these arrangements are influencing the wellbeing of children. The study was conducted in 7 Regions in Ghana and involved 2100 households and 36 institutional homes.
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Table 1: Estimated Orphan Population in Ghana (2009-2015) |
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|
Category |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
Maternal Orphans |
|||||||
|
AIDS |
96,259 |
101,44o |
104,512 |
106,070 |
106,432 |
105,885 |
104,723 |
|
Non-AIDS |
401,568 |
406,668 |
411,071 |
414,743 |
417,693 |
420,027 |
421,821 |
|
Total |
497,827 |
508,108 |
515,583 |
520,812 |
524,125 |
525,912 |
526,543 |
|
Paternal Orphans |
|||||||
|
AIDS |
93,132 |
98,586 |
102,147 |
104,302 |
105, 383 |
505,599 |
505,158 |
|
Non-AIDS |
692,059 |
701,882 |
710,958 |
719,229 |
726,647 |
733,294 |
739,309 |
|
Total |
785,191 |
800,468 |
813,105 |
823,531 |
832,030 |
838,894 |
844,467 |
|
Double Orphans |
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|
AIDS |
58,434 |
60,605 |
61,230 |
60,855 |
59,772 |
58,333 |
56,783 |
|
Non-AIDS |
88,699 |
89,964 |
91,128 |
92,100 |
92,832 |
93,362 |
93,729 |
|
TOTAL |
145,053 |
150,123 |
153,268 |
154,864 |
155,336 |
155,010 |
154,240 |
|
All AIDS Orphans |
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|
Total |
247,825 |
260,631 |
267,889 |
271,227 |
271,587 |
669,817 |
666,664 |
|
Total Orphans |
1,428,071 |
1,458,699 |
1,481,956 |
1,499,207 |
1,511,491 |
1,519,816 |
1,525,250 |
Source: 2009-2015 National HIV Prevalence and AIDS Estimates Reports, 2010
Research Findings
Findings of the study showed that care arrangements for OVCs in Ghana are highly diversified but mostly included institutional homes, fosterage and adoption. There were also indications of weak enforcement of regulations on institutionalisation of care for OVCS due to the continuous weakening of the capacities of the Department of Social Welfare (DSW). Even though the dominant care arrangement in Ghana is institutional homes, fosterage and adoption were seen as most effective within the context of child protection and child development. Strengthening the capacities of the DSW is key to enhancing the regulatory environment for care and maintenance of OVCs.
Research Uptake
The results of the study have led to the revision of the National Plan of Action on Ophans and Vulnerable Children. The plan of action now promotes fosterage and adoption rather than institutional care of OVCs. The Child Protection Unit under the DSW has also received a lot of capacity development in terms of human resources and logistics. Adoption processes has also now been streamlined.
Research Uptake Communicators:
Mr John Anoku
Mrs Dorcas Opai-Tetteh
Mr David Appiah
Authors: Prof. Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey
Dr. Stephen Afranie
Mr. Paul Andoh
Mr. Daniel Doh
Mr. Thomas Antwi-Bosiakoh
University: University of Ghana
Contact details: Centre for Social Policy Studies
University of Ghana
P. O. Box LG 72
Legon
Email: csps@ug.edu.gh
Telephone: +233-302502217