SPECIFIC AREAS IN SOCIAL WORK
Child Welfare and Protection in Tanzania: A Comprehensive Guide for Social Workers
Prepared by: Fabian Mahona
Social Work Tutor, Arthshakti Foundation, Tanzania
Date: 22 April 2025
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Child Welfare and Protection in Tanzania
- Definition and importance of child welfare
- Historical context of child protection in Tanzania
- Key stakeholders in child welfare
2. Overview of Child Rights and Protection Laws in Tanzania
- International frameworks ratified by Tanzania
- National laws and policies on child protection
- Legal definitions of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Challenges in implementing child protection laws
3. The Role of Social Workers in Child Welfare in Tanzania
- Key responsibilities of social workers in child protection
- Case assessment and intervention strategies
- Collaboration with government and NGOs
- Ethical considerations in child welfare practice
4. Case Study: Intervention Strategies for At-Risk Children in Tanzania
- Real-life example of child protection intervention
- Step-by-step analysis of social work involvement
- Lessons learned and best practices
5. Challenges in Child Welfare Systems in Tanzania
- Systemic barriers to effective child protection
- Cultural and societal influences on child welfare
- Resource limitations and workforce challenges
6. Best Practices and Recommendations for Strengthening Child Welfare in Tanzania
- Policy and legislative improvements
- Community-based approaches to child protection
- Training and capacity-building for social workers
7. Conclusion and Future Directions
- Summary of key findings
- The future of child welfare in Tanzania
1. Introduction to Child Welfare and Protection in Tanzania
Child welfare and protection refer to the systems, policies, and practices designed to ensure the
safety, well-being, and development of children. In Tanzania, child protection is a critical issue
due to high rates of poverty, child labor, early marriage, and abuse.
Historical Context
Tanzania has made significant progress in child welfare since ratifying the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991. However, traditional practices,
economic challenges, and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to hinder full protection for
children.
Key Stakeholders
-Government agencies: Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and
Children (MoHCDGEC)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Save the Children, UNICEF, Plan International
- Community-based organizations (CBOs): Local child protection committees
- Social workers and legal professionals
2. Overview of Child Rights and Protection Laws in Tanzania
International Frameworks
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989)
Tanzania ratified the UNCRC, committing to protect children from abuse, ensure education, and
promote their participation in decisions affecting them.
- African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC, 1999)
Addresses regional issues such as child trafficking and armed conflict.
National Laws and Policies
- The Law of the Child Act (2009)
The primary legal framework for child protection in Tanzania, covering adoption, guardianship,
and juvenile justice.
- The Children’s Act (No. 21 of 2009)
Defines child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and outlines protective measures.
- The Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act (SOSPA, 1998)
Criminalizes sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Challenges in Implementation
- Limited awareness of child rights in rural areas
- Weak enforcement of laws due to corruption and underfunding
- Cultural resistance to reporting abuse within families
3. The Role of Social Workers in Child Welfare in Tanzania
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting home visits and risk assessments
- Providing counseling to abused children and families
- Facilitating foster care and adoption processes
- Advocating for policy changes
Case Assessment and Intervention Strategies**
- Step 1: Identification (school reports, community referrals)
- Step 2: Risk assessment (interviews, home evaluations)
- Step 3: Intervention plan (temporary shelter, legal action, family support)
Collaboration with Government and NGOs
Social workers often work with police, healthcare providers, and NGOs to ensure a coordinated
response to child abuse cases.
Ethical Considerations
- Confidentiality and child consent
- Balancing family preservation with child safety
4. Case Study: Intervention Strategies for At-Risk Children in Tanzania
Background
A 12-year-old girl in Dar es Salaam was reported by her teacher for frequent absences and signs
of physical abuse.
Intervention Process
1. Initial assessment: Social worker interviewed the child, parents, and teacher.
2. Safety planning:The child was temporarily placed with a relative.
3. Legal action: The father was prosecuted under SOSPA.
4. Rehabilitation:Counseling and school reintegration support were provided.
Outcome
The child returned to school, and the family received parenting education.
5. Challenges in Child Welfare Systems in Tanzania
- Underfunding: Social services lack resources for effective interventions.
- Cultural barriers. Some communities normalize corporal punishment and early marriage.
- Workforce shortages:Too few social workers for the high number of cases.
6. Best Practices and Recommendations
- Strengthening community-based child protection committees
- Increasing public awareness of child rights
- Enhancing training for social workers on trauma-informed
7. Conclusion and Future Directions
While Tanzania has strong legal frameworks, implementation remains weak. Increased funding,
community engagement, and professional training are essential for improving child welfare.
8. References and Further Reading
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
- The Law of the Child Act, Tanzania (2009)
- Reports by UNICEF Tanzania
