Child Protection Policy Implementation: An Examination of Institutional Barriers and Opportunities in Rivers State

Obot; Phebe Nsikak; Onyekwere Lawretta PhD; Odungweru Patience PhD

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no8.2026.pg319.328

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Child Protection Policy Implementation: An Examination of Institutional Barriers and Opportunities in Rivers State

Obot, Phebe Nsikak, Onyekwere Lawretta PhD and Odungweru Patience PhD

Abstract

This study examined the institutional barriers and opportunities influencing the implementation of child protection policy in Rivers State, Nigeria. Anchored on the Institutional Theory, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to assess stakeholders' perceptions of policy implementation. Data were collected from social workers and institutional stakeholders using structured questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed a high level of awareness and understanding of child protection policies among respondents. However, effective implementation remains constrained by inadequate funding, shortage of trained personnel, weak inter-agency coordination, limited logistics, and poor monitoring and evaluation systems. The study further identified opportunities for strengthening child protection through enhanced government commitment, inter-agency collaboration, partnerships with civil society organizations, continuous professional training, and increased community participation. The study concluded that improving child protection outcomes in Rivers State requires strengthening institutional structures, increasing resource allocation, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and establishing effective monitoring systems. These measures will enhance the implementation of child protection policies and contribute to safeguarding the rights and welfare of vulnerable children in the state.

Keywords

Child protectionpolicyinstitutional barrierscapacitypolicy implementation.

References

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Child Protection Policy Implementation: An Examination of Institutional Barriers and Opportunities in Rivers State

Abstract

Keywords

References

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