DEVELOPMENTAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL OUTCOMES OF CHILDREN IN INSTITUTIONAL CARE IN OBIO-AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Institutional Care, Psychosocial Development, Child Welfare, Developmental Outcomes, NigeriaAbstract
Nigeria's institutional foster care system continues to be a standard response to child vulnerability, but limited systematic evidence exists about its developmental and psychosocial impacts. The study was aimed at finding out the cognitive, emotion, behaviour and psychosocial patterns of some children in foster care homes in River State. In this research, a cross-sectional mixed-methods design was adopted including adapted standardized child assessments, structured observations of caregiving practices and semi-structured interviews with caregivers and administrators. The quantitative data was descriptively analysed and subjected to bivariate correlation analysis to examine the associations between institutional characteristics and child outcomes. The qualitative data contextualised the patterns observed. No relationships of cause and effect were drawn. The results show significant differences in their developmental performance among institutions as observed in cognitive ability, emotional adaptation, social interaction and academic performance. Psychosocial indicators were generally low or moderate in relation to emotional stability and attachment-related behaviours, and moderately adaptive coping. Changes in family structure do affect a child’s development but not as much as the quality of care he/she receives. Studies show that children in institutions with greater consistency of care; lower staff turnover; and more opportunities for learning and stimulation show better developmental and psychological outcomes. Naturally occurring contextual comparisons with outcomes for family-based care suggest much better emotional security, behavioral regulation and placement stability in family settings; however, such comparisons are treated cautiously given the absence of matched sampling and comparable measurement procedures. In a nutshell, institutional care may ensure the satisfaction of basic custodial requirements. But it imposes a huge burden of retarded development and psychosocial malady which is directly related to the quality of care and environment. According to the findings, relational continuity, emotional response and enriched environment improves child wellbeing. Besides, there is the need for methodologically rigorous, feasible ethical research that will inform child welfare policy and practice in Nigeria.
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