By MARTHA AGAS

The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) has called for family empowerment policies to strengthen the adoption of the foster care system in the country.

The National President, Rev. Gabriel Oyediji, made the call on Saturday in Abuja at a seminar organised for ASOHON coordinators and stakeholders across Nigeria.

The seminar with the theme “From Vulnerability to Stability: Time to Strengthen Foster Care in Nigeria” focused on improving alternative care for orphans and vulnerable children.

Oyediji described foster care as a necessary shift, emphasising the need for children in orphanages to transition to alternative placements that would better secure their welfare and well-being.

He noted that in spite of the crucial role orphanages and children’s homes have played in providing temporary shelter and care, children cannot remain in institutional care indefinitely.

He urged the government to facilitate their transition to foster care by formulating policies with special provisions to support carers and foster children, particularly amid current economic challenges.

The president urged the government to invest in alternative care, citing its success in other countries and the positive outcomes it has yielded.

According to him, a pilot project could be implemented in foster homes for proper evaluation before expanding the initiative.

“Foster homes should be given monthly stipends for the sustenance and upkeep of one or two children, and we can assess how well they manage.

“Following this, the government can allocate a dedicated budget that provides a specific amount for foster carers and foster children.

“If people see viable opportunities, more will apply, but no one wants to add burden to burden.

“The economic situation is tough, and many people are even seeking placements for their biological children to improve their chances of survival,” he said.

He added that transitioning to foster care would help orphans and vulnerable children acquire essential life skills that they often lack while growing up in institutional homes.

Additionally, he observed that children in orphanages have limited social skills, integration, and knowledge due to their structured routines and restricted interaction with the outside world.

“They do not learn much about life because they experience mass parenting. There is no father-and-mother relationship, no personalised care. Sometimes, it feels like a small prison,” he said.

On her part, the National Welfare Officer, Mrs Grace Yaro, urged the government, private organisations, and society to support ASOHON in its efforts to transition vulnerable children to stability through the foster home model.

Yaro emphasised that being an orphan or vulnerable was not a sign of hopelessness, as they also have the potential for a bright future with the right support. (NAN)