Family Disruption and Social Welfare Services: Evidence from Bauchi State, Nigeria.

Family disruption remains a significant social challenge in Northern Nigeria, affecting children's developmental trajectories and social wellbeing. Despite governmental and non-governmental interventions, limited empirical evidence exists on the effectiveness of social welfare services in supporting affected families. Objective: This study examined the role of social welfare services in supporting families experiencing disruption in Bauchi State, Nigeria, identifying primary victims, causative factors, and intervention effectiveness. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 197 respondents (68% female, 32% male) selected through stratified random sampling from three communities in Bauchi Local Government Area. Data was collected using structured questionnaires with validated Likert-scale items and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Women and children constituted the primary victims of family disruption (86% agreement). Major causative factors included divorce (72% strong agreement), desertion (85% agreement), prolonged absence (65% agreement), and wrong basis of marriage (93% agreement). However, 79% of respondents reported inadequate access to government welfare services. Family disruption significantly correlated with child abuse (93% agreement) and poor academic performance (73% agreement). Respondents identified poverty alleviation (86% agreement) and cultural practice reform (53% strong agreement) as essential preventive measures. Conclusion: Family disruption in Bauchi State disproportionately affects women and children, with limited social welfare service accessibility. Strengthening community-based support systems, poverty alleviation programs, and culturally appropriate interventions could enhance family stability.