A High Court judge in Akwa Ibom State, Theresa Obot, has urged the state government to establish a reliable database and stronger monitoring system for children in alternative care, warning that gaps in tracking vulnerable children could expose them to abuse and exploitation. The call came during a keynote address at the Akwa Ibom Alternative Care Conference in Uyo on Saturday, organized by the Street Mentors Network. Judge Obot emphasized that the absence of data on children in alternative care poses significant protection risks, stating, 'There is no data on how many children are in alternative care, hence there is a threat that so many things can happen to them.'
Alternative care refers to arrangements where children cannot live with their biological families, including kinship care, foster care, guardianship, and institutional care. The conference, themed 'Mobilising Families for Alternative Care of Vulnerable Children,' marked the fifth anniversary of the Street Mentors Network. Judge Obot highlighted the need for structured alternative care systems, urging the government to document children placed in such arrangements and conduct regular welfare checks. She also criticized law enforcement practices, alleging some officers manipulate children's ages to detain them in correctional facilities rather than placing them in alternative care.
The judge commended Akwa Ibom's 2008 Child Rights Law, which prohibits branding children as witches or wizards, a provision she noted is rare in Nigeria. She stressed that the justice system must prioritize children's safety, stability, and development in family-related cases. 'The question before a Family Court is what environment will allow this child to become whole?' she asked. Judge Obot warned against treating children as property in custody disputes, stating, 'Custody is not a prize. Access is not a favour. Maintenance is not charity.'
Children in family disputes often face emotional trauma, neglect, and exposure to violence, according to the judge. She called on courts to ensure children's interests are not overshadowed by adult conflicts. 'The child must not become the instrument through which one parent punishes another,' she said. Judge Obot also addressed domestic violence, noting that children can suffer psychological harm even without physical assault. She urged the public to report child abuse and emphasized the need for legal protections to translate into tangible safety for children.
Street Mentors Network Executive Director Anita Michael stated the conference aimed to address how vulnerable children could be protected when they cannot be raised by their biological parents. 'We can’t continue to sit on the fence and watch children wander without a future,' she said, citing Nelson Mandela's assertion that a society's treatment of children reflects its values. Ms. Michael highlighted that children lack the strength to protect themselves and called for systemic solutions to prevent them from ending up on the streets.
Theolight Foundation's Executive Director, Helen Ubit, emphasized the importance of strong families in preventing children from facing risks like trafficking and abuse. Her organization provides psychosocial support for girls with unplanned pregnancies and placements for disadvantaged children. 'Interventions are designed to reduce risks of forced labour, abuse, and maltreatment,' she said. Chief Magistrate Helen Umana of the Family Court noted that family breakdowns often lead to children being pushed onto the streets, with girls particularly vulnerable to harassment.
A representative from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Margaret Effiong, urged parents to encourage children to report abuse. She reaffirmed the ministry's support for Street Mentors. The conference also addressed the stigma of witchcraft labeling, with stakeholders agreeing that children should not be branded as witches. Participants criticized religious organizations for perpetuating such labels, which can lead to internalized stigma and family rejection.
The stakeholder panel, titled 'Building a Safe Family-Based Alternative Care System in Akwa Ibom State: Who Must Do What?,' identified step-parenting disparities and religious influences as challenges. 'Love and acceptance from parents or caregivers remain fundamental to a safe family environment,' participants noted. The event brought together judiciary, government, civil society, and child-protection organizations to strengthen family-based care systems for vulnerable children.
Judge Obot reiterated the need for effective laws, competent courts, and community support to protect children. 'The challenge is no longer simply the enactment of laws, but ensuring that legal protections translate into actual safety,' she said. She called for child-sensitive procedures, responsible parents, and professional legal representation to create a functional child protection system.
Street Mentors Network's work, according to Ms. Michael, complements judicial efforts but requires rehabilitation plans for children removed from the streets. 'While taking them off the street, have a plan for them, else they will also become a problem for you,' she warned. Theolight Foundation's interventions include training domestic caregivers and placing children in monitored homes to ensure their basic needs are met.
The conference highlighted the role of religious organizations in perpetuating witchcraft accusations, which can lead to family and community stigmatization. Participants urged communities to investigate behavioral causes rather than accept religious claims. 'Children should not be branded as witches and charged families to investigate the causes of children’s behaviour rather than subjecting them to stigmatisation,' the panel concluded.
Judge Obot's address underscored the importance of placing children's best interests at the center of legal decisions. She emphasized that family preservation should not mean maintaining harmful environments and that separation should not be the default in cases where support and rehabilitation could ensure safety. 'The child is not the property of either parent,' she said, advocating for custody arrangements that prioritize the child's well-being over parental conflicts.
The discussion also touched on the psychological impact of domestic violence on children, even when they are not directly assaulted. 'A child who repeatedly witnesses violence could experience fear, anxiety, and disrupted schooling,' Judge Obot noted. She called for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on reporting abuse and accessing legal remedies.
Stakeholders agreed that systemic change requires collaboration across sectors. Theolight Foundation's programs, Street Mentors' advocacy, and judicial reforms must align to create a robust child protection framework. 'Strong families are necessary to prevent children from ending up on the streets,' Ms. Ubit said, highlighting the need for sustained investment in social services.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children. Judge Obot's call for data-driven policies and the Street Mentors Network's initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need for structured, compassionate approaches to alternative care. As Akwa Ibom State grapples with these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring every child has a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
The Akwa Ibom Alternative Care Conference served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to address systemic gaps in child protection. With the state's Child Rights Law as a foundation, the dialogue emphasized the urgency of translating legal frameworks into actionable safeguards. The event highlighted the critical role of community engagement, judicial accountability, and interagency cooperation in protecting children from exploitation and neglect.
The call for a comprehensive database underscores the need for transparency and accountability in tracking children in alternative care. By establishing clear protocols for documentation and monitoring, Akwa Ibom can set a precedent for other states in Nigeria. The conference's emphasis on family-based solutions and the rejection of harmful practices like witchcraft labeling reflect a broader shift toward child-centered policies.
As the state moves forward, the collaboration between legal institutions, civil society, and community leaders will be vital. Judge Obot's advocacy and the Street Mentors Network's efforts demonstrate a collective commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. The path ahead requires sustained investment, public awareness, and a steadfast focus on the best interests of the child.
The Akwa Ibom Alternative Care Conference has reignited discussions on the urgent need for systemic reforms in child protection. With the state's legal framework and grassroots initiatives working in tandem, there is hope for a future where every child in Akwa Ibom can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. The conference's legacy lies in its call to action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.