Browsing by Author "Msoka, Agnes Cyril"

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    Factors affecting provision of psychosocial support services to orphans under orphanage care in Dar- es salaam city Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Msoka, Agnes Cyril
    The study examined the factors affecting the provision of the psychosocial support services to orphaned children under orphanage care in Dar es Salaam City. The study focused on the situation of the orphanage settings according to the requirements of the policy guidelines, the situation of the orphaned children before and after joining the orphanage; types of psychosocial support services available to children in the orphanages; resources for providing psychosocial support services to orphanage children; psychosocial adjustment mechanisms adopted by children to fit into orphanage life and the challenges encountered in the provision of psychosocial support services to children in the orphanages. The study used a survey approach that combined the quantitative and qualitative research methods. A total sample of 233 respondents was involved in the study; 203 orphaned children, 17 caregivers, 10 directors /owners of the orphanages and 3 ministry officials. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. The study used questionnaires, focus group discussions, in-depth face to face interviews, non-participatory observations and documentary review. The findings indicated high concentration of material support services while emotional, informational and appraisal services was not given priority. Emotional support to children was inadequate because there were few untrained care givers with high child caregiver ratios. Non- human resources were scarce so resulting into limited access to basic needs for children. This scarcity led to the problem of children adjusting to the orphanage environment. The study concluded that the provision of psychosocial support services in the orphanages is still very limited due to the limited resources and expertise to support children psychologically. Finally, the study recommends strengthening the provision of psychosocial services in the orphanages, through government and community involvement. Children’s safety and protection through family reunification should be a priority of the government and the orphanages. Providing adequate and appropriate training for orphanage caregivers and operators to create home like environment for children should be an essential requirement for establishing and operating an orphanage.