Citation

Okello Weda J. Humanit. Soc Sci.. 2015; 3(1): 47-56.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Science Publishing Group)

DOI

10.11648/j.hss.20150301.16

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence human factors of Charitable Children's Institutions on child safety in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya. The objectives of this study were, to examine the extent to which staff competency and staff commitment in a charitable children's institution influence their safety, to assess how staff competencies in charitable children's institutions influence child safety. This study was conducted through descriptive survey design methodology. It employed stratified sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The main tools for collecting data included questionnaires, and interview schedule. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and findings presented in tables. Key findings of the study indicate that Charitable Children's Institutions in Kisumu Municipality are able to provide the children with meals at least three times a day though some lack health and nutrition programs. Most have not fully embraced children's rights specifically on the right of participation. Their children have diminished opportunities for their psychosocial needs to be met and are not prepared to cope with disasters like fire. The majority of the children were happy with the services they receive from the staff who were widely experienced in their work. However professional staff in all areas of service is missing in these institutions. Some institutional policy statements that were meant to protect the wellbeing of the children were taken for granted by staff and management. Psychosocial needs of the children should be addressed by providing opportunities for quality interaction among the children and with professional children workers. Disaster preparedness plan that include practical drills with the children must be in place. Staffs must be adequate, competent and experienced.

Language: en