Definition

The term ‘looked after’ is used when we arrange for children to live away from their families, either as part of a voluntary arrangement (under the 1989 Children Act), or as the result of a care order (also under the 1989 Children Act). Sometimes this will be for a short break and sometimes for a longer period of time. The length of time will depend upon the child’s needs and the family circumstances. Parents continue to have responsibility for their children while they are away from home but this responsibility is shared with Social Services if the child is subject to a Care Order. Why are Children Looked After?

Children can be looked after for all sorts of reasons. For example:

• a parent may be unable to continue caring for them

• they may be at risk of harm and need to move to a safer place

• a parent may be ill or may need to go into hospital and there is no other family members or friends available to look after them . What services are provided for Looked After Children?

Adoption

Fostering

Residential Care

http://www.cheshire.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/children/fostering/LookedAfterChildren.htm

Research shows that in the U.K looked after children and young people are one of the most neglected groups receiving inadequate health care, including their mental health. Evidence shows that 67 % of children leaving public care do so with mental health problems. 14% of looked after children have pregnancy as a teenager, compared to 3% of the rest of the population in the U.K.

On the contrary, there is no research available during my research as to the exact percentage for looked after children in the Ghana system given the situation children of such category often find themselves. How could this an important area of concern be ignored by various Governments?

Could the problem be that there is no central register in place for every region to co-ordinate such a process of looked after children? There is evidence that great work has been done at Nima and elsewhere.

Some children are denied their basic right that is education in Ghana. Instead this group of children are used as maidservants, helping with chores around seaside areas as fisher boys, porters at markets, those who stayed with relatives due to death of a parent are even worse off at times. Children of their relatives sometimes treat them as third class citizens, not fit for purpose.

Whose responsibility is it to ensure that these children’s health needs are fully addressed so that they can achieve their full potential in life?

“Every Child Matters” is a UK Government initiative that was launched in 2003 and is being implemented throughout the country. The Government’s aim is for every child whatever their circumstances to have the support they need to (a) be healthy (b) stay safe (c) enjoy and achieve (d) make a positive contribution and (e) achieve economic well being. (www.everychildmatters.gov.uk) I wonder whether the Ghana Government could adopt certain key areas which are not being addressed in our rigid system.