CHALLENGES IN PRIORITIZING THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD IN CHILD PROTECTION

Violence against children is a violation of the Child Rights Act and other Conventions governing the rights of children, and the effects of prolonged physical and emotional abuse on a child's cognitive development threaten the proper mental and physical development of the child and, in some cases, the child's survival. Despite the efforts made by the government and non-governmental organizations to protect children, the incidence of child abuse is still on the rise. This study is aimed at identifying challenges and key considerations in prioritizing the best interests of the child in child protection in Nigeria. Two research questions and a hypothesis were raised and formulated for the study. The population of the study consisted of respondents selected from three (3) states in three (3) geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Delta representing the south-south geopolitical zone, Lagos state and Kogi state representing South West and North Central respectively. A sample of 1,120 respondents, which comprised all stakeholders in child protection (parents, educators, health workers and others), was drawn from the total population. Results from the analysis of the data collected using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) revealed that different cultural/traditional practices may harm the well-being of the child. Other factors affecting prioritizing the best interest of the child in child protection in Nigeria, as identified, include corruption, lack of accountability, and insufficient training of child protection personnel, among others. The study recommends, among others, a strong political will and commitment to child protection.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0445/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>