THE ROLE AND EXTENT OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN CARE FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN

ABSTRACT

This research work is on Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). To carry out this study the following research question were raised, does Government neglect account for problem affecting OVC? Is lack of Government response to provide social needs a reason why OVC suffers? Does societal neglect account for problem affecting OVC? Is lack of access to good health care a factor affecting OVC? A descriptive research design was used and A stratified sampling technique was adopted in selecting the samples size, which of comprises male (boys) and female (girls). A total of one hundred (100) inmate and staff of the orphanage homes constitute the sample size from four orphanage homes within Benin City. The instrument used to gathered information was a structured questionnaire, frequency counts, simple percentage, pie chart was used to interpret the tables and chi-square was used to test significant difference between the variables. From data analysis it was that revealed that respondents know much about the orphanage. Majority of the respondents agree that teenage pregnancy is a factor leading to OVC. Similarly, majority of the respondents (87%) agree that poverty account for high growth of Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Neglect by government account for problem affecting OVC, and the socioeconomic status of orphans in the orphanage are poor. The following recommendations were suggested, Governmental agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should embark on intensive public enlightenment campaigns to address the issue by focusing on the root cause of OVC, also increase awareness of early teenage pregnancy to parents and teenagers, Lastly, the federal government should embark on immediate practical poverty alleviation measures as a way of empowering the masses to overcome malnutrition and hunger.