Psychosocial Challenges and Hopelessness of Children Living in Alternative Care: Case of SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda

Abstract

Homelessness among street children is a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where many children live on the streets. Alternative care is an essential strategy for improving the well-being of these at-risk children. However, there is a dearth of evidence concerning hopelessness and its contextual determinants among street children in Rwanda. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the degree of hopelessness among children in alternative care settings, emphasizing the contribution of SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda in promote health of this population. Convergent mixed-methods were employed with 200 children from SOS Children’s Villages. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Data were gathered through a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Hopeless Children Scale (HCS), as psychometric instrument. For qualitative data, focus group discussions involving 8 to 10 participants were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim, followed by thematic analysis. The study found that 69.1% of participants were male, with the HCS demonstrating an internal consistency of α=0.78. A majority (61.2%) lacked both parents. The results indicated a high incidence of hopelessness, with 90.3% of participants experiencing severe hopelessness, 7.5% experiencing moderate hopelessness, and only 2.2% exhibiting hope. Despite receiving critical support such as basic needs from SOS Children’s Villages, the children’s expectations for the future, particularly regarding effective family reintegration, remained predominantly negative. Vulnerable children endure substantial psychosocial challenges that influence their levels of hope. To improve the psychosocial well-being of street children, SOS Children’s Villages, in collaboration with national and international partners and policymakers, should implement comprehensive health strategies that address not only the children but also involve their families. The development of these appropriate approaches based on our results would contribute to an achievement of sustainable and effective reintegration for street children.