Enforcement Gaps in Child Welfare Laws for Orphaned Children in Mozambique: A District-Level Survey Study

In Mozambique, orphaned children face significant challenges in accessing adequate child welfare protections due to gaps in legal enforcement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including structured interviews with stakeholders and administrative data analysis focusing on orphaned children’s cases in three districts. Findings indicated that while the legal framework provides protections for orphaned children, enforcement gaps led to a failure rate of over 50% in implementing these laws effectively. This study highlights critical areas where child welfare policies need strengthening to better protect vulnerable populations in Mozambique’s legal system. Recommendations include the development of targeted enforcement strategies and community engagement programmes to ensure compliance with existing laws.