Protecting children without adequate parental care is crucial to their survival, health and well being, hence ogun state government has prioritise alternative care of children to enhance the existing legal framework and practices for children without parental care and those at the risk of being separated from their parents.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs, Olufunmilayo Efuwape  made this known during a 3-day capacity building trainning for the State Working Group on Alternative Care Guideline  organised by her Ministry in collaboration with SOS Villages in Nigeria, themed, " Leave No Child Behind", held at the Courtyard Marquee Suites, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.

 According to the commissioner,  represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Melutia Ogunremi, Care guidelines was an arrangement for children who are deprived of  family care environment from reasons ranging from abandonement, violence, abuse, family separation or where the best interests of the child could be guaranteed.

" the state through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is saddled with the responsibilities of creating policy and practice framework to guide all child care organisations in the best interest of the child and guidelines for alternative care, as well as provide harmonised guidance to child welfare development and protection", she said.

In her welcome address,  The Permanent Secratary represented by the Director Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Toyin Akinola noted that, the need to develop alternative care guidelines for the State is hinged in the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led  administration in the state for his continued support for all programmes and policies that encourages the wellbeing of children in the state.

"The importance of alternative care to the socio cultural wellness of our children in the state is part of our responsibilities, to give them proper development and sense of belonging thet they truly deserve" Ogunremi said.

The National Director SOS Children's village Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, represented by the Regional Manager SOS children's villages in Nigeria, Mr. Ayodeji Adelabu said, SOS had been a movement towards alternative care in Nigeria with children without care from their parents and family, making themselves available for government to use and to commit themselves and relevant stakeholders in achieving the goals.