Child services is one of the most important departments in any government because they are the one with the sole purpose of taking care of the rights of the child. In a working clime, they take the wellbeing of children seriously, and even the mere maltreatment of children, or extreme disciplinary methods could be cause for parental rights to be revoked temporarily or permanently.
This goes to show just how far the government is willing to go to protect their children and this is good. It shows that children have rights and due to their fragile nature, they should be protected and properly cared for. This is something that should never be compromised in any way at all.
However, in countries like mine, the system is a bit shaky. Not just because there are no adequate structures, but also because the people have also developed a culture of minding their business. To an extent, the only state in Nigeria I know that takes certain things seriously is Lagos. In Lagos, you can report a church or other place of worship for noise making, and they will act on it. In the same way, you can report a case of child abuse or neglect, and they will act on it. Currently, I don’t know the steps that other states have taken to match this.
But then, none of that is enough. Because we still get selective justice. Most of the time, only the highly publicized cases get the help that they need. Because it’s as if, after complaining to the relevant authorities, you still have to go online and talk about it to generate buzz and gain traction before they even take a step to fix it.
These days, many people choose to mind their business. Their neighbors could be maltreating their kids, and they feel that it doesn’t concern them. Is this their fault? Because many times, we’ve seen cases where people make anonymous reports to police, but somehow justice is never served, and the culprits become informed that they made such statements. It’s crazy.
Honestly, if the system worked as it should, it would be a really great thing because so many kids would be taken from their parents, and rightfully so. It can be quite painful to see young children going on major roads to hawk, some use their children to beg. Kids who should be in school with their peers are made to perform all forms of menial tasks. It’s just sad. And when you talk about these things, you’re told to mind your business. But what can be done, because many parents choose these paths only out of desperation.
Still though, this doesn’t negate the fact that sometimes, such organizations take things a bit too far in their bid to ‘protect the children’. Sometimes, due to misinformation, they tear the children from loving homes, place them in foster care that doesn’t even give a damn about them and that could very well go on to be the start of the child’s life going astray.
The truth is, just because something is done with good intention, doesn’t mean that they will go about it the right way, or the intent might even be achieved. In the end, we’re all humans. Those in Child Services are also humans, and they’re susceptible to mistakes as well. It’s just tragic that the mistakes they make can basically destroy the lives of children who have been placed in their care.
So, my suggestion? A total revamp and reorientation. Before taking a child from its parents, be sure that it’s the absolute and only option. Not the first option! And also, when there are cases, there shouldn’t be favoritism or extortion involved. Let them do their jobs and do what is best for the child. Once people see that the system is actually working, they will be more willing to take part in it and help out.
