| dc.description.abstract | Rescued street boys face significant trauma that impacts their psychosocial well-being. Their
prevalence globally was worsened by conflicts, fractured family bonds, natural disasters, economic
hardships, political changes, and disease outbreaks. Street boys across the globe are exposed to
traumatic experiences that severely affect their psychosocial well-being. The study aims to:
determine the effects of childhood traumatic events on social relations among the former street
boys; establish forms of childhood traumas experienced by rescued street boys; assess the impact
of childhood trauma on psychosocial wellbeing of rescued street boys; evaluate the impact of
childhood trauma on cognitive development among former street boys and to assess ways of
enhancing psycho-social wellbeing of former Street boys at Global Hope Rescue and
Rehabilitation Center in Ngong, Kajiado North County, Kenya. This study was guided by
Ecological Systems Theory and Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory. A descriptive
research design was employed, targeting all rescued street boys at the center. The target population
comprised over 600 former street boys at the center. A sample of 65 participants was selected
using purposive sampling methods. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and in-
depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while
qualitative data underwent content analysis. Results indicated that 36.67% of participants reported
feeling unsafe during childhood, 33.33% experienced physical trauma, and 25% endured
emotional neglect. Deep emotional trauma was the most prevalent emotional issue, affecting 50%
of respondents, while cognitive difficulties, particularly problems with concentration were
reported by 41.67%. Psychosocial challenges included 38.33% of the boys struggling to maintain
a positive outlook when facing adversity. Statistical analysis revealed significant negative
correlations between types of traumas, such as emotional abuse (r = -0.589) and neglect (r = -
0.518), and overall psychosocial well-being. The findings concluded that childhood trauma
significantly impairs emotional, cognitive, and social functioning among rescued street boys. This
underscores the need for trauma-informed rehabilitation programs that integrate emotional healing,
cognitive support, and social reintegration. The study recommends full implementation of the
Children Act (2022) and fostering multisectoral collaboration to ensure effective, long-term
recovery and reintegration of rescued street boys. | en_US |
