Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Assessing Social Work Support Systems in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Orphans and vulnerable children represent one of the most marginalised populations in Nigerian society, requiring coordinated social welfare responses across government, faith-based, and civil society platforms. This study assesses the adequacy of social work support systems for orphans and vulnerable children in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets social workers, caregivers, and administrators in orphanages, government-run homes, and community-based child welfare centres across Enugu Urban and Igbo-Eze South local government areas. A sample of 100 respondents is selected through purposive sampling, with data collected through structured questionnaires and analysed descriptively. Findings reveal significant gaps in nutritional support, psychosocial care, legal protection, and school enrolment for orphans and vulnerable children. Most institutions surveyed operate below standard capacity due to underfunding and inadequate personnel. Social workers in these settings express dissatisfaction with working conditions and highlight the absence of regular supervision and professional development support. The study recommends increased government budgetary allocation to child welfare institutions, mandatory accreditation and monitoring of care homes, and the integration of community-based alternative care models that align with African extended family strengths. This research contributes to evidence-based social work practice for vulnerable children in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Keywords: orphans, vulnerable children, social work support, Enugu State, child welfare