Evaluation of the Alternative Care System for Children with Disabilities in Ivory Coast

Investing in the strengthening of families and alternative family-type care measures, by putting the needs of children at the heart of the approach, is crucial if we wish to promote the development of each child whatever their specificities and needs. The Child Protection Authorities of Ivory Coast through the Directorate of Child Protection (DPE) are committed in this direction. DPE requested and contributed to the realization of this evaluation carried out by International Social Service (General Secretariat based in Geneva) in partnership with SSI France, SSI West Africa and the Ivorian NGO Vie Saine.

The objectives of this evaluation are multiple, it aims firstly to obtain a picture (as objective as possible) of the situation of disabled children deprived or separated from their families or at risk of being so and of the replacement protection available for these children. This evaluation, which includes numerous recommendations, will help guide DPE in the development and implementation of its deinstitutionalization policy, ensuring that disabled children are not left behind.