UNICEF Empowers Social Workers on Child Returnee Reintegration in Lagos The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has empowered social workers in Lagos State with the requisite skills to provide timely and age-appropri
The United Nations Children’s Fund has empowered social workers in Lagos State with the requisite skills to provide timely and age-appropriate services to children returnees for better reintegration into society.
Addressing the workshop, the Child Protection Specialist for UNICEF, Nkiru Maduechesi although highlighted the importance of applying the skills for the best interest of the child returnee, she said the role of the government is to support social welfare to reduce violence. “But if we don’t protect them and then they don’t contribute, it means that our development cannot be sustainable beyond this generation.”
The specialist also harped on the need for the government to support social welfare ministries and law enforcement agencies to ensure that violence against children is prevented or responded to adequately. She, however, reminded the stakeholders that these children returnees could suffer potential long-term mental health impacts if not properly handled.
Speaking on the topic, Standard Operating Procedure/Family Tracing and Reunification , UNICEF Child Protection Specialist for Lagos Office, Mr Denis Onoise hinted that with the UN Sustainable Development Goal mantra, ‘Leave no one behind’, Onoise said even the child returnee should not be left behind.