Influence of Public Benefit Organizations’ Institution-Based Strategies in Addressing Psychosocial Wellbeing of Neglected Children in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Authors: Mugambi Misheck Kirimi , Kiptui David Kipkorir 
Published: February 2025

The neglected children’s psychosocial well-being is of great concern to the world today. Research shows significant evidence that child neglect is the primary root cause of psychosocial and mental health difficulties among young children. The governments and public benefit organizations, have endeavoured to address the cases of child neglect and the psychosocial well-being of children. Despite these efforts, the cases of child neglect and psychosocial problems are still high. There is also scanty information on the influence of public benefit organizations strategies used to address the psychosocial well-being of neglected children. This study sort to investigate the influence of public benefit organizations strategies in addressing the psychosocial well-being of neglected children in Tharaka Nithi County Kenya. The study used descriptive survey design. The attachment theory by Bowlby and the structural functionalism theory of Durkheim was used to form the basis of this study. The target population was neglected children in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The accessible population was 494 children supported by public benefit organizations centres. The sample size of 248 children were systematically selected. 34 staff working with public benefit organizations were purposively sampled, and the raw data was collected using pre-designed descriptive survey questionnaires. The Standardized starling’s Children Well-being Scale and the World Health Organization 5 well-being Index, was used to collect data from children. Internal consistency levels of the tools were established by pilot study and expert analysis. Various tests were conducted; using the IBM Statistical package for the Social Sciences version 27; Cronbach’s(α) to test level of consistency. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, Kaiser-Meyer Olkin measure of adequacy, and analysis of measures of central tendency. The results indicated a statistically significant difference in starling’s Children Well-being Scale and the World Health Organization 5 well-being Index, scores across the six age groups indicating that age is a significant factor influencing social and emotional Psychosocial well-being of neglected children. The findings revealed that public benefit organizations Institution Based strategies have significant positive influence on psychosocial wellbeing of neglected children. The findings imply the need for targeted interventions for counselling psychology practice to develop and implement age-appropriate interventions that can adequately address the unique needs at various age of development. The findings can serve as base for advocacy for policy change, that prioritize mental health resources for neglected children. significance of this study is that the findings may be of benefit, to Government agencies involved in social protection services, that target the psychosocial challenges of neglected children. The study concludes that age is a significant factor influencing the psychosocial wellbeing of neglected children. The findings indicates that public benefit organizations play a crucial role in addressing the psychosocial well-being of neglected children in Tharaka Nithi County, through institution-based, strategies. The study recommends collaboration amongst various stakeholder. Research Ethical guide lines were strictly followed.