Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms in Lagos, Nigeria: Early Intervention and Prevention Rates

In Lagos, Nigeria, child protection mechanisms are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. An ethnographic study involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions among parents and caregivers. Community-based child protection groups reported a significant increase (35%) in the number of cases referred for early intervention compared to previous years. Communities play a pivotal role in detecting and addressing child abuse through their proactive mechanisms, though challenges remain in sustaining resources and training. Public-private partnerships should be fostered to enhance community capacity and reduce reliance on external support. Lagos, Nigeria, Child Protection, Early Intervention, Community-Based Mechanisms