SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION IN THE PREVALENCE AND CONSEQUENCES OF STREET BEGGING AMONG CHILDREN IN BENIN CITY.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the prevalence and consequences of street begging among children in Benin City. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample of 200 respondents (90 male and 110 female) was selected through the purposive sampling technique for the study. Data were collected by means of well structured questionnaire designed by the researcher. Simple percentages were used for analyzing the data the results showed that respondents indicated Unemployment (85%), Impairment (80%) inability to access fund (80%) lack of parental care (85%) lack of empowerment (85%) as the root causes of street begging among children. The study also revealed that respondents indicated health hazards (85%) road accident (85%) physical abuse (75%) sexual abuse and harassment (75%) as consequences of street begging among children. In the course of the study respondents asserted existence of social work intervention (70%) effectiveness of the intervention (60%). The most important Economic needs as Money (80%), sending beggars to school (77.5%), proper documentation of beggars, food and shelter (80%). Based on the findings, social work intervention strategies were proffered in terms of organizing enlightenment workshops for stakeholders such as Government, NGO’s and Employment Agencies, News and Print Health care services as well as planning workshops for beggars and their families.