Parental Alcohol Abuse And Children Detachment To The Streets In Kabale Municipality, Uganda

This study investigated how parental alcohol abuse influences children leaving their homes in Kabale municipality, Uganda. The child‟s life journey was traced from home through the streets. Four research questions guided the study: How does parental alcohol abuse influence children leaving their homes? What challenges are faced by the street children? What survival strategies do children use to face the challenges on the street? What interventions would control parental alcohol abuse? The study was guided by Erickson‟s psychosocial development theory in view of the environment that would facilitate or hinder proper development. Phenomenological research design of the qualitative approach was used in the study. Children who left their homes due to parental alcohol abuse were the targeted population accessible at The Shepherd Center and Grace Villa children-care centers. A sample size of 15 participants consisted of 5 boys, and 5 girls living in children-care centers, 4 children caretakers from the children-care centers, and a Probation Officer was purposefully selected. Interview and observation methods were used to collect data. Colleagues and supervisors reviewed the research instruments for validity. Credibility was ensured by means of triangulation of participants and a voice recorder. The process of data analysis involved transcribing, coding, presenting, discussing, and interpreting in a narrative form. The findings revealed that children left their homes because their drunken parents neglected them by their absence and inadequate provision of basic needs such as food. Parents physically abused the children by beating and sending them out of the house at night. Some children experience unpredictability, insults, and rejection from their parents. Consequently children left home. Boys went to the streets while girls went either for early marriage, prostitution, and working in hotels or house girls. Challenges faced on the street included getting food, shelter, security, parental guidance, and medical care.