Conference Set to Address Care for Vulnerable Children in Akwa Ibom

Street Mentors Network, a nonprofit that focuses on youth, is teaming up with Theolight Global Foundation and others to hold a conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The aim is to promote family-based care for vulnerable children.

The Akwa Ibom Alternative Care Conference 2026 will take place on Saturday, 26 September, at Uranus Hotel, Aka Itiam, off 2-Lane, Uyo, starting at 10 a.m.

The theme for the conference is “Mobilising Families for Alternative Care of Vulnerable Children.”

According to a press release from the organisers, the event will gather government officials, child-protection workers, civil society groups, families, and potential caregivers. They will discuss how to put Nigeria’s National Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children into practice.

Alternative care means finding safe arrangements for children who cannot stay with their parents or main caregivers.

The conference aims to improve family-based options while ensuring children are protected from abuse, neglect, and unsuitable placements.

The organisers say the event will educate the public on the different types of alternative care and clear up misunderstandings about family-based care.

A major part of the conference will focus on reaching out to potential caregivers in Akwa Ibom.

Those interested will learn about the steps to become caregivers. This includes orientation, screening, assessment, training, and ongoing support.

Street Mentors Network pointed out that wanting to be a caregiver does not automatically mean someone will get a child.

They stressed that all alternative care arrangements must follow proper child-protection rules and prioritize the child's best interests.

The conference will also look at how NGOs can help implement alternative care policies. This includes educating the public, strengthening families, referrals, safeguarding, preparing caregivers, case management, advocacy, and working with government bodies.

The organisers noted that Street Mentors Network plans to share its long-term vision for alternative care. They want to start a network of potential caregivers and child-protection stakeholders who can receive ongoing training and support.

The programme will include discussions about policy, an interactive session on alternative care, a keynote speech, and a panel with various stakeholders.

This panel will discuss the roles of government, NGOs, families, communities, and others in creating a safer family-based alternative care system in Akwa Ibom.

The conference will also celebrate the fifth anniversary of Street Mentors Network. It will showcase their efforts with vulnerable and street-connected children.

Street Mentors Network aims to shift the conversation on alternative care from just policy talk to real community action.

The organisation is inviting development partners, businesses, government bodies, civil society groups, and others to support and join the conference. They believe stronger partnerships among families, government bodies, civil society, and communities are necessary to give vulnerable children safe and supportive family environments.

They have encouraged interested groups to reach out for partnership.