The Child Protection Network, an NGO, has inaugurated a technical working committee to promote alternative care, policies, programs, and services for children in Sokoto.

The coordinator of CPN in Sokoto, Usman Ahmad-Suka, stated on Friday that the effort aimed to safeguard and enhance the livelihoods of children living in alternative care homes, which differ from those of their direct family members.

Mr. Ahmad-Suka said the policy was desirable in recognition of the plights of children residing in orphanages, organisational shelters, and those from different backgrounds than their direct family homes.

He said many children suffered neglect, improper schooling, poor feeding, clothing, and other livelihood needs in society.

According to him, the committee is expected to actualise the alternative care policy drafted by CPN and presently awaiting the Governor’s assent, aimed at uplifting the lives of children.

Mr Ahmad-Suka expressed optimism that when the policy begins operation, children’s lives would be safeguarded while at the guardians’ and custodians’ shelters.

Yusuf Ibrahim, the director of Children Development and Protection in the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, described the alternative care policy as a great way of supporting and mapping out guidelines for enhancing the lives of children.

Mr Ibrahim, who is the chairman of the inaugurated TWC, said the document would surely guide all government and non-governmental actors on the proper handling of children living in alternative care homes and centers.

He explained that, based on the committee membership, policy engagement, and other activities, he would surely obtain the requisite attention as well as the needed support.

The district head of Gagi in Sokoto South LGA, Sani Umar-Jabbi, described the policy as a landmark achievement in recognition of the plights of children living in alternative care homes.

Mr Umar-Jabbi assured of the engagement of more traditional rulers to ensure proper implementation of the policy, stressing that the traditional and religious institutions had been battling with many cases of abuse, neglect, and other unhealthy treatment of children at different levels.

(NAN)