Institutional Care Policy and Operation in Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to examine Institutional care policy and operation in Nigeria. Qualitative research method was employed in the study. Information was obtained using textbooks, published and non-published Journals, libraries etc. Based on the literature review, the findings revealed that the development, appreciation and application of children’s rights have become an integral part of child protection philosophy and practice in many countries around the world. The United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) has significant impact on child welfare policy development, standards of care, and programming related to institutional care. This framework has had and will continue to have a significant impact on the way that child protection and child welfare is practiced around the world. It has especially influenced how institutional care is implemented and the role it serves within the child welfare continuum. The study concluded that Institutions can be improved to be comparable to family living. The study recommended that Institutional care should not be the preferred option but rather the last resort. However, when it is provided as an option, there are components to that care, which should be included within the organizational and programmatic structure.