| dc.subject | The phenomenon with of people working and living on the street is a growing social problem in both developing and developed countries. The overall objective of this study was to explore the challenges facing street families rehabilitation programmes in Kenya. Specifically the study sought to investigate the socio-economic, environmental and caregiving challenges in the rehabilitation of street families. The study was guided by medical theory of rehabilitation. The study used simple random sampling that sampled 125 respondents out of the 250 rehabilitation centers supported by the Street Families Program. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, coded, keyed and analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. Analysis of study findings established that families are facing an array of challenges occasioned by the erosion of the traditional extended families coupled with rapid urbanization. As a result, these boys and girls are stripped of their childhood and sent to the streets to live without parental care. It is here that they are exposed to constant hazards, both physically and psychologically; and this leads to their early exposure to vices, such as drugs, sex and criminal activities. This results to high rates of recidivism and low reintegration rates to their communities. The study strongly recommended that caregivers should be trained on skills on how to provide rehabilitation services. A training manual should be developed to deal with the issue, which can be used as a tool for training of trainers. The physical and environmental challenges facing rehabilitation of street families should be addressed to increase the suitability of rehabilitation centers by provision of recreational and adequate facilities for their development. Besides, rehabilitation centers must address individual needs, such as counseling and guidance, food, shelter and training to those in rehabilitation programmes. The caregivers need to be given training in psycho social skills and continuous counselling for the to effectively manage the rehabilitation programs. Key Words: Psychological, Recreational, Rehabilitation, Street Families, Training | en_US |
