Content warning: This post discusses child abuse, harm, and childhood experiences. What happens when the person hurting a child is someone everyone loves? We often teach children that family is a safe place. We tell them to respect adults, listen…
Starting life in a new country can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Immigrant and newcomer families often face challenges related to language, employment, housing, education, healthcare, and unfamiliar social systems. Social workers play an important role in…
Immigration and child custody are two complex areas that can become even more complicated when they intersect. Families may encounter additional legal, emotional, financial, and cultural challenges when immigration status, international relocation, or cross-border parenting arrangements affect decisions involving children.…
For many parents and caregivers, involvement with child protection services can be stressful and confusing. Fear often arises from uncertainty. Understanding how the process works can help families engage more confidently and effectively. What Are Child Protection Services? Child protection…
Are you moving to a new country? Here are 10 things newcomer parents should know about child welfare Moving to a new country comes with many challenges. Parents must adjust to a new culture, language, laws, school systems, and community…
I have been asked this question a lot of times
When people talk about women’s rights, it can sound like a topic that belongs in history books, old protests, or far away places. But the truth is that women all around the world are still facing serious challenges every single…
Storytelling is a powerful tool
You do not need a special title or a powerful network to be an advocate. What you do need are a set of skills that help you communicate well, understand people, and stay grounded even when the work gets tough.…
Social advocacy
As a child welfare advocate, I am proud to highlight The Hidden Survivors, a new and deeply important report released by One Young World in partnership with ACNA. This report brings forward the voices of care leavers who experienced sexual…
Help Seyrami fight high-risk neuroblastoma. Click on the GoFundMe link here My name is Deborah, and I’m fundraising for a brave 6-year-old girl named Seyrami, who is battling high-risk neuroblastoma. She has been through chemotherapy and surgery, and her journey…
Adoption in Africa is a deeply personal and life-changing journey, but it can also be legally complex. Each African country has its own laws, residency requirements, and safeguards. Below, I address the most frequently asked questions about adoption in Africa.…
Adoption law in Africa varies enormously by country
Across Africa, millions of children grow up without the care of their biological parents. While some live with extended family, many find themselves in orphanages, sometimes by choice, other times by circumstance. Understanding how children enter the orphanage system is…
Foster care systems throughout West Africa beautifully showcase how law, culture, and resources.
Starting a child-focused NGO in Africa is both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. With millions of children affected by poverty, conflict, disease, and limited access to education, NGOs play a critical role in protecting and empowering vulnerable young lives. However,…
Supporting vulnerable children is one of the most compassionate things you can do, but if done incorrectly, even well-intentioned efforts can cause unintended harm. Children living in poverty, conflict zones, orphanages, or unstable households need love, protection, and guidance, but…
Child Rights Law Update Nigeria and Ghana
Myths often surround orphanages in West Africa; some see them as safe havens for children without families, while others argue they are harmful institutions that exploit poverty. The truth lies somewhere in between, shaped by history, culture, poverty, and policy.…
First time hearing restorative justice?
If you are considering adoption in Ghana, one of the first questions you may ask is: Should I go through the government or use a private agency? Both routes are legal and regulated by the Central Adoption Authority (CAA), but…
When we think about adoption, we often picture joy, new beginnings, families united, love that transcends biology. But in my years of walking alongside adoptive families and listening to adoptees, I have learned that grief is part of the adoption…
Adoption is often seen as the realm of married couples, but what if you are single and feel called to adopt? Can you pursue this pathway in Ghana? Let us unpack the legal realities, emotional implications, and broader global context…
However, in other parts of the world, including the United States, Germany, and Japan, adult adoption is legal.
Adoption in Ghana is a legal and carefully regulated process overseen by the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) and the Central Adoption Authority (CAA) under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. As of 2025, Ghana is strengthening domestic…
Written with compassion for every child in care, and every parent who never wanted to leave them behind.
Grief does not end. It changes
Fatherhood is not biology. It is a posture of the heart, a daily decision to love, to protect, to guide, and to pour. I know this well, because I am a girl who has been blessed with more than one…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword, it’s reshaping everything from how we shop to how we receive health care. But what happens when it steps into a space built on empathy, relationships, and trust, like social work?…
Human rights are not merely written into law. They are lived — or denied — in the waiting room, the intake process, the foster home, the hospital hallway, and the social service office.
If you have ever wondered how I managed to write my books or if you have been seeking tips to embark on your own writing journey, you are in the right place. Writing can be a challenging yet rewarding experience,…
Discover the institutions shaping future leaders in social work and making a positive impact in communities across the country
In the global conversation about child welfare, one truth keeps rising to the surface: Children thrive in safe, loving families—not institutions. And yet, too often, children are separated from their families not because of abuse, but because of poverty or…
Explore the connection between cultural relativism, universalism, and healing justice in child welfare.
And not all mothers are biological
In a rapidly changing world, the concept of Ubuntu offers profound insights into how we can approach child welfare more holistically and compassionately. Originating from Southern Africa, Ubuntu is rooted in the philosophy that “I am because we are.” It…
Time doesn’t always heal all wounds. But what time does do is give us space—space to choose whether we will confront our pain or let it fade into numbness.
Divorce is an emotional and often difficult experience for all involved, but for children, it can be especially challenging. When parents decide to separate, the family dynamic changes in significant ways, leaving children to navigate new and complex emotional landscapes.…
Incest is a painful reality for many children, and we can no longer afford to keep it a secret.
The fight against pedophilia is a collective responsibility.
Human trafficking is not confined to one region—it happens everywhere
Children must not be protected in theory alone but in action, systems, and policies. Families must be empowered. And every citizen must know how to access the support they need.
Religious Beliefs: “I Felt a Calling from God to Build an Orphanage".
Here’s my perspective:
Kids need to be nurtured, regardless of their location. However, our assistance should also promote sustainable solutions rather than merely providing temporary help.
Do you know a woman who has experienced life in care? Extend your hand—your support can be the bridge to her brighter future.
There is a kind of pain that does not announce itself loudly…the Hidden Wound: When a Father’s Absence Leaves a Daughter Searching. It does not always come with tears or visible scars. It lives in quiet moments, in the deep…
And here is what I have learned: the less you share, the more you protect. The less you expose, the more you enjoy. The less you expect from people, the lighter your heart feels
Abuse traps a child in an impossible situation, leaving them with nowhere to turn and no one to confide in.
True healing happens in spaces where people feel seen
It’s Okay to Be a Work in Progress...
True friends don’t come with entitlement issues. They don’t need a full itinerary of your life to stick by you.
If we all come together communities, families, and those with the means to help we can build a brighter future for Ghana’s children. Whether it’s keeping families together, empowering relatives to step up, or creating resources to support them, we can give children the chance to thrive in a loving environment.
The renaming of orphanages to residential homes for children in Ghana reflects a shift in philosophy but falls short of addressing the deeper issues within the system.
Are you eager to dive deeper into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence? Look no further than the iBlooming AI channel. By subscribing, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of educational content that’s engaging and rich in insights. Whether you’re just…
Ghana has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of its Care Reform Roadmap, emphasizing the critical importance of family-based care for children. Can this roadmap be achieved?
To take a child away from her parents for unjust reasons should be a crime. No one knows how to take care of a child than the child's parents.
When it comes to advocacy and human welfare, I never miss out. I find great joy in partaking in such events. I recently attended a knowledge-sharing event in Halifax that focused on gender-based violence and women’s homelessness. Women’s empowerment is…
As someone who has experienced the challenges of growing up in institutional care, I am passionate about shedding light on the complexities of providing support for children without parental care. While the traditional orphanage model is well-intentioned, my personal experiences…
Happy Father’s Day to every father out there. Whether you didn’t have the opportunity to grow up in a family, lost your dad, or experienced abuse, I want you to know that you are not alone. Today might be difficult,…
Child labour is a pressing issue that affects millions of children worldwide. I had an insightful discussion with Amidatu, a child rights advocate on the need to address child labour from the home. Below are some takeaways from our conversation.…
“Do not tell anyone, else you will die, or I will kill you.” These words are mostly what abusers of children use to get a hold of them. Child predators rely on children to keep their secrets. Perpetrators often say,…
Deinstitutionalization Does it ring a bell? Many children living in orphanages could be reunited with their families if they received the proper support. Deinstitutionalization, also known as family-based care, advocates for the transition of children from residential institutions such…
When it comes to advocacy and child welfare related events, I never miss out. I find great joy in partaking in such events. Women’s empowerment is gaining momentum, and Nova Scotia is leading the way in style. I recently attended…
Have you ever thought about the challenges faced by physically impaired children who live in orphanages? It’s heart-wrenching to think that they may not have access to the same opportunities as other children, even at the orphanages. Physically impaired or…
The ideologies and understandings of childhood have changed over time, reflecting changes in economic and social contexts. Childhood is a social construct that varies across different cultures and societies, and what constitutes a “good” childhood is influenced by cultural norms,…
Socially constituted understandings and constructions of family play a crucial role in how child welfare is realized. The prevailing cultural norms and values that shape our perceptions of family can influence the policies and practices of child welfare agencies and…
When you encounter vulnerable children or families, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? One-sided stories have caused a lot more harm than good When one encounters vulnerable children or families, it can be a deeply concerning and…
Stepping into the world beyond the care system can feel like embarking on a journey with no compass. But within this uncertainty lies the power of community, support, and healing. Most Care Leavers are broken and need healing, and this…
Almost every country has suffered European Colonialism, and Canada is no exception. Canada experienced settler colonialism as Europeans aggressively took lands from indigenous peoples and, over time, displaced and then greatly outnumbered them. As a result, September 30 every year…
Debunking the adoption myth in Ghana is deemed necessary. Why?…. The adoption world can be complex and confusing for those not living in it. From the different types of adoption to the adoption process to the adoption language, there is…
Dealing with new beginnings can be tricky sometimes. The past few weeks have been full of activities for me. From getting hitched and joggling personal stuff while managing my NGO and getting all certifications …to relocating…and preparing to pursue further…
Adoption in Ghana is gradually gaining recognition. However, a lot more sensitization is needed to eradicate the stereotype attached to it. As a careleaver, I understand what family means to every child. Most Ghanaians love to adopt but fear the…
Creating memories through the lens is my passion, says Bertha Lutome, A care Leader and a photographer. Creating memories through the lens I define a camera as the most powerful tool used to change the world. It in many cases…
All over the world, the network of care leavers and leaders keeps gaining momentum. Each day, a new care leaver network is formed. This is because that aspect of care has been suppressed for so long a time. Beyond care…
Most people find it difficult on what best approach to use in donating their slightly used clothes. Many times, most people dump and do not donate. In this article, I will show you one of the easiest steps to follow…
The First Ever Care Leaders Meeting in Africa would be held in Nairobi this week. The Care Leaders Council, which includes 16 members representing a diverse range of lived and professional experiences with family separation and alternative care, would have…
You Cannot Start An Orphanage In Ghana Again. Are orphanages bad? This is one of the most popular questions on the lips of many as Ghana gradually fades out of institutional care. Ghana’s child and family welfare policy prohibits separating…
The Why Series is a conversation between a mother and her daughter on varied social issues. If you want your child to be kind, empathetic and a Changemaker, this book is a perfect choice for you. I co-authored the Why…
Has the Ghana Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection failed in its role? This is a question we both should answer. Due to the renewed interest in protecting children’s rights in the past two decades, the Ministry of Women…
The welfare of children in Ghana keeps deteriorating. This has made Ghanaian citizens call on the government to improve the welfare of children. In 1990, Ghana became the first country in the world to ratify the UN Convention on the…
The recent cyber bully in todays world is helping the vulnerable and not protecting their digital footprint. Kindness is a long-held secret that does not require evidence. You often don’t have to be concerned about leaving tracks while traveling the…
Family-Based vs Institutional Care book is launched- a call to put children in families not orphanages. The book “Family-Based vs. Institutional Care: Best approaches to caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s” launch was a success. Thank you to all who…
It’s a book launch…and You are all Invited. Experiencing childhood in an orphanage, I never envisioned working with orphans and vulnerable children. When I figured I had to put this book together, it was mixed feelings. I cannot save the…
The history of orphanages in Ghana is a painful trip back in time. Although no child welfare system existed in the pre-colonial Gold Coast, it was customary for the extended family, through kinship foster care and other community networks, to…
Life tries to convince us that there’s nothing special about us…and that we have too many obstacles to ever accomplish our dreams…and that we’ve made too many mistakes to ever leave our mark. But we don’t realize who we are.…
Incest is a crime and one of the crimes handled discreetly in Ghana. Check this story out. Every day, Mama Lulu (real name withheld) goes through unbearable pain when she recalls how her husband defiled their nine-year-old daughter at Dedeso,…
The countdown to the release of my book has begun with a pre-order. The impact I have seen talking openly about orphans and vulnerable children is incredible. Thank you for giving me the chance to see the writer in me.…
There are various ministries in Ghana in charge of child welfare. In Ghana, child maintenance is recognized as a mandatory parental obligation enforced by the Department of Social Welfare and the Court through social workers. Still, the government is supposed…
Did you know most orphanages in Ghana operate below the national standard? Many times donors’ bowels of compassion are moved towards orphanages with leaking roofs and with the children looking tattered. In the bid to fulfill their moral obligations, they…
As I journeyed beyond the orphanage, I always almost turn my heart and mind to vulnerable children across the globe and how they chart their life paths. Anytime I do that, I am reminded of my little self in the…
In my daily interactions with people, it seems they have little knowledge about whether persons with disability in Ghana (ranging from kids to adults) have institutions they can be trained in. There have been instances where people called to ask…
If a juvenile has committed a serious offence, they may be sentenced to time at a Senior Correctional Centre even if they are 17 or younger. These severe offences include murder; rape; defilement; indecent assault, involvement in unlawful harm; robbery with aggravating circumstances; drug offences; and firearms-related crimes.
Child abuse is not just physical violence directed at a child. It is any form of maltreatment by an adult which is violent or threatening to the child. This includes neglect. When child abuse occurs in the home and the abuser…
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is a cancer deeply rooted in most part of the world and fueled by the culture of silence. Children being a vulnerable group are not spared by this cancer. It is experienced in the form of rape…
The UN Child Rights Committee (CRC) has issued its findings on Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Greece, Iceland, Kiribati, Somalia, and Zambia, the States parties that it reviewed during its latest session. The findings contain positive aspects of…
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has stated that children born out of wedlock have a right to maintenance by their fathers, just like those born in marriage. Mr. John Ato Breboh, Senior Principal Investigator of CHRAJ,…
I am thrilled to tell you about my new book (baby) yet to be birthed. One of the most significant causes of vulnerability of children worldwide is separation from the love and care of family. Loss of parental care has…
In the industrialized countries of the early twentieth century, there were no standards of protection for children. there was nothing like child rights. It was common for them to work alongside adults in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Growing recognition of…
They have spoilt our names just to achieve their own mission, an Anti-Trafficker narrated how children are trafficked around the Volta lake. Human trafficking is an international problem affecting millions of people and many countries around the world. In Ghana,…
The Africa Platform on Children Affected by Armed Conflict (APCAAC) has welcome the African Union (AU)’s adoption of two significant policies on child protection. The new African Platform on Children Affected by Armed Conflicts (AfCAAC) aims to serve as an…
Ending child labour is a prerequisite to achieving zero poverty and hunger. ILO In commemoration of the international day against child labour, the Ghana Non-Governmental Organization Coalition on the Right of the Child (GNCRC), in a statement, has called on…
Do not be quick to dump a baby. Mothers unable to take care of their children can contact the Department of Social Welfare for assistance instead of abandoning them or exposing them to harm and even death. After assessment and…
The Department of Social Welfare has revealed that more than half of children connected to the streets in Ghana are Foreigners. Quoting recent research conducted by the National Security, the Director of the DSW, Rev. Dr. Comfort Asare, said most…
Ghana Without Orphans (GWO), an offshoot of the World Without Orphan movement with a shared vision for every child to grow up in a healthy, loving permanent family and knowing the Heavenly Father has urged Ghanaians to partake in the…
In Ghana, the Central Adoption Authority (CAA) at the Department of Social Welfare is mandated to oversee all adoptions. The Authority, set up under the Children’s (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Act 937), has three primary structures: The Adoption Board, Technical Committee,…
Until I start uploading my research contents, enjoy some publications from experts in the child welfare space. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PDE5DQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=articles+on+orphanages&ots=csrBJGocaP&sig=GnejGDhHaTD40dqP3Tbl1BKigJ4 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi0h6H25sr3AhVFqxoKHXJCAqAQFnoECAUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1080%2F0145935X.2020.1866984&usg=AOvVaw369qdNHF5dlmSuGxabRZtq https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi0h6H25sr3AhVFqxoKHXJCAqAQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedirect.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fpii%2FB9780128242896000180&usg=AOvVaw3Nre7_PAqnI_6UvfYEL_Ii https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi0h6H25sr3AhVFqxoKHXJCAqAQFnoECAYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.sagepub.com%2Fdoi%2F10.1177%2F2167696818807114&usg=AOvVaw2CXBu4CtjtE4vL9ba5s9Bf https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi0h6H25sr3AhVFqxoKHXJCAqAQFnoECCUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbettercarenetwork.org%2Flibrary%2Fprinciples-of-good-care-practices%2Fleaving-alternative-care-and-reintegration%2Feducational-experiences-of-care-leavers-from-residential-care-in-ghana&usg=AOvVaw07zTpXG27xcJvneLz3SVMB Links will be updated from time to time. Click here for…
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has advised that placement of children in residential care should be a last resort and children should remain there for the shortest amount of time possible. This advice followed a survey that…
This years “society and orphan dialogue” takes off in April 2022. Nelson Mandela once said. there can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. Glad to be part of this…
Healing after care can take you forever. I chanced on a quote on Instagram some time ago that read “The wound was not your fault, but the healing is your responsibility. It is never an easy ice to break finding…
Have you ever come across the list of orphanages in Ghana, Region by Region yet? This article provides that for you. I guess I am not the only one who get upset wanting to find the list of orphanages both…
International women’s day is celebrated across the nations of the world to appreciate women on March 8th every year. “Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time, and the greatest human rights challenge…
Did You Know That Foster parents Are Needed In Ghana? Who is a Foster parent? A foster parent is a person who is willing and able to provide a stable, secure, and loving temporary family home for a child. Gradually,…
How do young people transition out of care? Graduation ceremonies are organized for almost every new level a person enters into but not with young people in orphanages. What happen to young people when they turn 18 years in the…
A child is termed vulnerable if he or she has inadequate or no parental support. A friend asked me whether every orphan or vulnerable children have a dream. The Great Sigh-orphans and vulnerable children have dreams too. Every orphan or…
Why are children important to the nation? Children are very important to the nation’s present and its future hence the need to have policies documented to guide their welfare. Almost every nation has policies documented to guide the wellbeing of children…
Can Streetism ever be eradicated in Ghana? In 2011, there were over 60,000 children on the streets of Accra according to the Ministry Of Gender, Social And Children Protection. A one-day stakeholders’ consultative and validation workshop on ‘street connected children’…
Hurray! My book launch was a success. My second title “Forest In The Wilderness: Life Inside A Ghanaian Orphanage” on my list of 5 sequel books on the alternative care space was unveiled in December 2021. I want to take…
Happy 2022 dear friends of CharisTouch. The start of a calendar year is the perfect time to start something new. Together, we were able to accomplish some amazing projects last year. From our 5th anniversary celebration, our outreaches and our…
I guess you have read or heard about Oliver Twist, Cinderella and Anne of Green Gables. There have been more interesting books about orphanages, orphans and foster care published over the years and 2021 is no exception. For all the…
Do you have plans of spending some time with an orphanage? Find below places you can visit in Accra. Echoing Hills Village, Ghana. 027 635 8070 Enough Grace Foundation. 024 657 2052 Teshie Orphanage. 054 500 5640 …
The church has a role in nurturing young people aging out of care to become better people in society. Leaving care or aging out of care is one of the most scariest thing every young person in care faces.…
Having spent over a decade in an orphanage, I remember none of us got the privileges to cut a cake on their birthday. Most of us forgot our birthdays by default. I always almost forgot my birthday until level 300.…
I’m an old beggar, a street-side hawker….Really, not literally, I earn my daily-bread on a daily basis. I am called the “vulnerable in society”. My children go to a nearby government school where luckily there’s no dress code. I promised…
A week before the launch of my debut book, I was confused and did not know what specific speech I was going to give. I made calls to a few friends to help my situation and the answer was “Dzifah…
For new aspiring writers like myself, it is not an easy journey to start writing a book from scratch. I can tell you without delay that the difficult part of a writer’s job is sitting down to do the work.…
Did you or your parent (s) or friend grow up in care? Join the national care leavers page on Facebook and Instagram by clicking on links below. Care Leavers Ghana Network is an online forum for Young people in care…
Growing up, I always thought the friends and loved ones you grew up with, will always be with you. Little did I know that was a terrible mistake on my part to think that way. We can all attest to…
Every one of us is always a decision away from living a fulfilled or an amazing life. A lot of times we tend to either remain comfortable with certain situations and those situations eventually become a habit. Do not only…
To forgive is divine Are you finding it difficult to forgive your offenders? Listen, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. Sometimes we waste so much time for apologies from people who don’t even realize how much they have…
Have you been battling loneliness recently? Often in our discouragement, we tend to lose the joy of the Lord because our day is all in ruins because the contract failed, a loved one lost his or her life, the baby…
Do people reject your friendship always? What do you do afterwards? Cry? feel bad? or move on? There are times that you always wish a particular person was your friend. You go like.. How I wish so so and so…
We all have unique gift and abilities inside of us. Frankly speaking, no one was born empty. You were not born empty neither was I. But what do we see around us? A lot of people have neglected their own…
Throughout the years, I understood that individuals tend to have numerous misguided judgments about what it resembles to work for a philanthropy or claim a philanthropy based association. Regardless of whether it’s to have an effect on society or work…
Are you the type of person who often finds themselves preoccupied with other people’s opinions about you? The Oxford Dictionary defines an opinion as a “view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.” This definition…
Fear of the unknown is a universal experience that many of us can relate to. It’s that feeling of unease or anxiety that arises when we are faced with something unfamiliar, uncertain, or beyond our control. But hear me out,…
1. Every orphan has a hidden potential The only reason why you never became an orphan or ended up in an orphanage is —Luck. Every orphan you meet at the orphanage has the potential to become someone great in the…
Having experienced both lives in a family and in an institution, I can attest to the fact that there is nothing joyous than a child growing up with a family. At the orphanage, all of your physical needs are met…
Let’s have a little chat real quick. Have you wondered how young people churn out from the various orphanages? When last did you visit an ORPHANANGE? Have you thought about how orphanages fund themselves especially in this covid19 season Have…