Peer-reviewed article

Towards Culturally Specific Solutions: Evidence from Ghanaian Kinship Caregivers on Child Neglect Intervention

Alhassan Abdullah, Margarita Frederico, Ebenezer Cudjoe, Clifton Robert Emery · 1 Sept 2020

Abstract

Recognising the signs and finding solutions to the risk and needs of neglected children remains a challenge in child protection practice despite a global increase in the number of reported child neglect cases. This situation is compounded by the impact of cultural practices on how neglect is perceived. Drawing on semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 31 kinship caregivers, this study sought to explore how the culturally informed traditional kinship care practice in Ghana can be considered an intervention strategy for parental neglect. Proactive intervention, prevention of abandonment and utilisation of family support emerged as ways kinship care practice can help resolve child neglect issues. This study's findings suggest that kinship care options could help prevent severe forms of child neglect and prevent instances of child neglect at their onset. The study highlights the importance of culture and tradition when considering approaches to addressing neglect of children, which could be adapted to other cultures as it provides learning regarding where it is safe to have the extended family involved from the beginning where there is suspected neglect. Key Practitioner Messages The traditional culturally informed kinship care practice in Ghana provides a proactive solution to address parental neglect. Child welfare workers should strengthen cultural approaches to address child neglect and support families by providing intervention measures. Child welfare workers should encourage kin or kith groups to promote reciprocal supportive relationships as this could be useful in providing protection for neglected children. ‘Explore[s] how the culturally informed traditional kinship care practice in Ghana can be considered an intervention strategy for parental neglect’