Errors and Omissions in Street Children Interventions in Zambia: A Case of the Lusaka District Social Welfare Office

A child being on the streets is basically an “event”, one with a beginning and for most, with an end as they grow into adults (Kilbride p et al, 2000: 8). The period spent on the streets by children depends on the duty bearers interventions implemented within the country and how the street children pandemic has been addressed in policy by the State, Non Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and their families among others. The aim of this study has been basically to explore the impediments in the street children interventions by considering the errors and omissions in policy and interventions that have a causative effect on the street children pandemic. As an upshot, this study is using desk research (secondary research) coupled with structuration and a combination of right based and 4A scheme approaches in its collection of data and analysis of findings in order to provide a wide range of information and stumble on government scope and limitations within street children interventions. The main findings of this study using the analytical approaches indicate that governments tend to ignore the core and fundamental issues to the underdevelopment of street children interventions. Adult perceptions of street children and the lack of harmonisation of laws have exacerbated poverty, contributing to the increase of street children in the country. Conclusively, this study undeniably offers learning experiences as to why there has not been a reduction of street children population despite the vast sensitisations by the government. It is based on the findings that recommendations will be drawn by calling for a concerted and urgent action by refocusing from street children specific interventions to all vulnerable children in Zambia.