In West Africa, informal child fostering is a common practice that helps ease parental burdens and provides opportunities for children from poorer families. Between 20% and 40% of mothers have sent a child to live with another family, which often serves as a “social parent.” Education is a primary motivation for fostering, as children may access better resources and schools. The benefits of this practice largely depend on how supportive and invested the host families are in the fostered children’s welfare. Unlike formal foster care systems elsewhere, these arrangements are unregulated, raising concerns about the commitment of host families to the children’s education and overall well-being.
Children in West Africa are Often Sent to Live with Other Families to Help them get Ahead – but Fostering may be Doing the Opposite
Updated on October 15, 2024