Family reunification in Ghana and the best interests of the child: perspectives of social workers

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) stresses the centrality of a family environment for children (Article 20). It also emphasises the responsibility of states to provide proper and adequate alternative care for children deprived of a family environment. Furthermore, Article 3(1) stipulates that “In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration”. This serves as a basis for evaluating practices of States Parties, and legally, those who make decisions concerning children, are obliged to behave in the best interests of the child. These matters also play out in relation to the Care Reform Initiative (CRI) in Ghana. Children are sometimes separated from families for reasons including poverty, abuse, and neglect, which sometimes compel their admission to Residential Homes for Children (RHCs). The CRI has presented a policy change from institutionalisation to deinstitutionalisation of such children in Ghana since 2007. Yet data on the perspectives of social workers on the implementation of reunification is limited. Though this study outlines the various forms of alternative care put forward the CRI policy, it specifically adopts reunification as the predominant option aimed at promoting children’s general wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to explore the roles and perspectives of social workers who must deal with this policy shift while ensuring that the best interests of the child are served. Also considering the compelling factors of children’s institutionalisation, the study investigates the various factors that inform social workers’ decisions to reunify children with their families. Data was collected using qualitative techniques through interviews with 14 social workers representing the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) at the national level, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (DSW&CD) at the district level, and RHCs also at the district level. The study discusses the findings based on the elements of the concept of the best interests of the child and other provisions in the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as the theoretical concept of Street-Level Bureaucrats (SLBs). It concludes with a summary of the various chapters and states some recommendations in relation to child reunification, and for future studies.