Child welfare cases continue to rise and there is a need for urgent intervention and prevention – Min. Women and Children

Statistics continue to increase over the years for child welfare cases, and the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection are calling for urgent intervention and prevention as we celebrate this year's International Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.

The Ministry says according to the Child Welfare Act National Database, 1,968 cases were reported in 2022, and 50% of these cases were reported through the Child Helpline (1325).

They say the reported child welfare cases have increased compared to 2021, where 1,518 cases were reported and in 2020, 1,719 cases were reported.

The Ministry says the statistics continue to increase over the years.

It adds the Government is mandated and committed to promoting and protecting children’s rights, and over the years, they have worked with civil society organizations, faith-based organizations and key stakeholders to effectively and inclusively address child welfare issues.

They say the statistics also show that child abuse and neglect happen within a child’s safe space, and often the perpetrator is someone within a child’s immediate family and it's evident in 60 percent of the cases reported in 2022.

The Ministry says this year, they wanted to raise awareness of parental responsibility as parental responsibility means providing a safe living environment for your child and protecting them from any form of harm.

They say children need a loving and supportive system to guide and empower them as they grow up, and the love and support will lead to a positive quality of life, and this starts with parents.

The theme for PCAN 2023 is ‘’Every Child is one adult away from being a success story. It starts with us.’’

The Ministry says the theme emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the responsibility of parents and guardians.

They say it means to advocate on issues that matter to children and prioritize their rights and participation so that we can help build a better future for all.

In partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children Fund and Asia Foundation, the Ministry will be having a National Celebration for PCAN this Saturday at 9am at Navatuyaba Village in Toga, Rewa. In addition to the National Celebration, the Ministry’s district and Divisional offices will be commemorating PCAN in the respective offices with communities and key child protection stakeholders.