Abstract

This article delves into the challenges faced by orphans in Nigeria, specifically focusing on their psychological
development and overall welfare. In 2003, there were an estimated 7 million orphans in the country, a number
projected to rise to 8.2 million by 2010. This increase underscores the significant challenges posed by factors such
as HIV/AIDS, conflict, and poverty. Globally, the orphan crisis is alarming, with predictions suggesting that by
2020, as many as 200 million children worldwide could be without parental care. The study emphasizes the
importance of offering childcare options within family settings rather than relying solely on institutional care,
which can have profound effects on the psychosocial development of children. Traditional orphanages, serving as
residential centers, grapple with issues like overcrowding, discrimination, and instances of abuse, often leaving
thousands of children disconnected from their families. This underscores the necessity to revamp childcare
systems and explore new models entirely. The article advocates for a family-centric approach, which includes
adoption, community-based upbringing, and initiatives to strengthen existing families. This alternative promises a
more supportive environment for orphaned children to thrive mentally and socially. From an economic standpoint,
family-oriented childcare is not only more humane but also economically prudent, offering lower costs compared
to institutionalized care. Hence, there's a pressing need to redirect focus towards these alternatives