Analytical Assessment of the Psychosocial Needs of Street Children in Kano State

Street children in Kano State, North West Nigeria, represent one of the most psychosocially vulnerable and underserved populations in the country, and systematic analytical needs assessment is a prerequisite for designing effective counselling and rehabilitation programming. This study conducted an analytical psychosocial needs assessment for street children aged 8 to 18 in Kano Municipal and Dala Local Government Areas, Kano State. A mixed-methods analytical design was employed, combining structured interviews with 100 street children, focus group discussions with 24 participants, and key informant interviews with eight social welfare officers and six NGO workers. The Child PTSD Symptom Scale, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and a researcher-developed needs inventory were administered. Results showed PTSD symptoms at clinical threshold in 43.0 percent, conduct difficulties in 51.0 percent, and peer relationship problems in 67.0 percent of assessed children. Primary psychosocial needs identified were safe shelter and basic needs security (97.0 percent), protection from violence and exploitation (88.0 percent), education reconnection support (84.0 percent), trauma processing counselling (78.0 percent), and family tracing and reintegration support (72.0 percent). Substance use was reported by 54.0 percent. Formal social services had been accessed by 21.0 percent. The study provides the most comprehensive psychosocial needs profile available for Kano street children and recommends a multi-agency programme integrating counselling, education, and family tracing through a coordinated platform led by the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Keywords: street children, psychosocial needs, Kano State, child welfare, trauma counselling