Ho, May 28, GNA- A total of 108 childcare related cases have been resolved by the Volta Regional branch of the Department of Social Welfare in the first quarter of the year. They comprised seven abandoned and orphaned children, nine paternity declaration cases, 58 child maintenance cases, 7 child custody cases and 27 family reconciliation cases. There are still 110 of the cases pending to be cleared. Mr. Peter Hlovor Regional Program Head for the Child Rights Promotion and Protection, a unit under the Social Welfare Department disclosed this to the GNA.

He said the Department seeks to ensure that statutory responsibilities are carried out to promote and protect the rights of the child and therefore pursued Community Based Programme for their safe placement. Mr. Hlovor said; "Institutionalization is becoming the last resort to finding solution to abandon, orphaned and vulnerable children. "Emphasis is placed on building responsible parenthood, positive family ties and healthy relationship with children suffering from deprivation and abuse". Mr. Hlovor said some of the cases required reconciliation and counselling to be able to reach understanding amongst the families. He advised women to secure their future and those of their children by making the right choices of husbands.