The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has called on disability service providers to strengthen safeguarding measures for children with disabilities in residential homes. The agency emphasized the need to protect the safety, privacy, dignity, and best interests of these children. LASODA's General Manager, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, made this appeal at the 2024 Stakeholders' Forum organized by the agency in Lagos. The forum aimed to address challenges affecting the quality and safety of services available to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Oyetunde-Lawal stressed that disability inclusion goes beyond providing basic services, as service providers have a broader responsibility to create environments where PWDs can live, learn, receive care, and participate meaningfully in society. She highlighted the importance of creating safe, accessible, and dignified environments for PWDs. The forum, themed 'Harnessing Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Advance Disability Inclusion in Lagos State', brought together disability service providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
The LASODA boss placed particular emphasis on residential homes caring for children with disabilities, stating that operators must ensure their facilities and systems adequately protect the children entrusted to their care. Safeguarding must cover not only physical safety but also the privacy and dignity of children, particularly in an era where photographs, videos, and personal information can quickly be disseminated through social media.
Oyetunde-Lawal further charged service providers to ensure that their activities, publicity materials, and fundraising practices comply with the provisions of the Lagos State Child Rights Law and other applicable child-protection and data-protection requirements. Compliance is necessary to prevent vulnerable persons from being exposed to practices that could undermine their dignity, privacy, or safety.
The Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Dr. Funmi Adekola, facilitated a session on 'Creating Safe, Accessible and Inclusive Homes and Centres for PWDs'. She highlighted the need for residential facilities and service centers to be properly designed and managed to accommodate the diverse needs of Persons with Disabilities, while ensuring that such environments remained safe and responsive.
The forum also featured a session on 'Safeguarding and Protection of Persons with Disabilities', which aimed to equip service providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect PWDs from harm. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to examine challenges affecting the quality and safety of services available to PWDs and to identify strategies for addressing these challenges.
By emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and protection, LASODA aims to ensure that children with disabilities receive the care and support they need to thrive. The agency's efforts are geared towards promoting disability inclusion and advancing the rights of PWDs in Lagos State.
Key points
- LASODA emphasizes the need for disability service providers to prioritize the safety, privacy, and dignity of children with disabilities in residential homes.
- The agency calls for compliance with child-protection and data-protection requirements to prevent exploitation and harm.
- The forum aims to promote disability inclusion and advance the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State.
