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Family Support Services in the Context of Child Care Reform: Perspectives of Ghanaian Social Workers

In Ghana, different factors such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, parental and child disability, often lead to children becoming separated from their parents. As part of the current childcare reform, the system is focusing on preventing the institutionalization of children through family support services. However, there is little research evidence on the provision of family support services in Ghana and other lower-and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

This report summarizes interview findings on the benefits of family support services and challenges that inhibit the gains from the services. Findings suggest that the provision of family support builds up the capacity of vulnerable families to care for children, promotes children’s wellbeing and academic outcomes. Challenges that inhibit the impact of the family support services include inadequate funding, clients’ attitudes and poor interagency collaboration. Implications of the findings for practice are discussed.

Author(s): 
Kwabena Frimpong-Manso
Year of Publication: 
2021
Geographic location: 
Resource Type: 
Journal article - abstract only
Language: 
English
Section: 
Resource Database