ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATES

Child abuse and neglect are pressing social issues that have garnered significant attention due to their profound impact on the well-being and development of children. Three research objectives were developed to identify the factors that are responsible for child abuse and neglect among parents, determine the consequences of child abuse and neglect and examine the factors that protect a child from risk of abuse or neglect in Bauchi metropolis. The study utilised social survey as the research design, employed mixed method of data collection. A sample size of 150 respondents was selected through the use of simple random sampling technique. The data were analysed and presented in a frequency and percentage table. The research shows several key factors contributing to child abuse and neglect, including socio-economic challenges, cultural beliefs, and parental education levels. Findings reveal that poverty and unemployment significantly heighten the risk of neglect, as parents struggle to meet basic needs. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards discipline and the normalization of violence within families were found to exacerbate instances of abuse. The study also highlights the role of inadequate parenting skills and lack of awareness about child rights as significant contributors to neglectful behaviors. The study recommended that poverty as a root cause of neglect by introducing economic empowerment programs. These initiatives should focus on providing employment opportunities, financial literacy training, and access to microfinance for low-income families. Strengthen legal protections for children by ensuring that child protection laws are enforced. Policies should be developed to provide better access to mental health and social services for families at risk. Increase the availability of substance abuse treatment programs for parents struggling with addiction. These programs should include family therapy to address the impact of addiction on children and parenting. Keywords: Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Parental Factors, Socio-Economic Challenges.