Learning from Child Protection Systems Mapping and Analysis in West Africa: Research and Policy Implications

type="graphical" xml:id="gpol12047-abs-0002"> This article highlights that the main obstacles to the affective functioning of Child Protection Systems in West Africa are ‘the lack of congruence between formal strategies, actual state capabilities and resources, and community values and priorities.’ Guy Thompstone and his colleagues at Child Frontiers, have argued in this article that ‘A balanced child and family welfare system is best achieved through consultation and genuine dialogue between external actors, the state, civil society and communities.’