Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between community-based rehabilitation and rehabilitation of street children has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Gombe State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Gombe State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of community-based rehabilitation on rehabilitation of street children, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on community-based rehabilitation, there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with rehabilitation of street children, particularly within Gombe State. Many organizations continue to make decisions about community-based rehabilitation without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect rehabilitation of street children. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Community-Based Rehabilitation on rehabilitation of street children in Gombe State.
2. To assess the extent to which community-based rehabilitation influences rehabilitation of street children within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with community-based rehabilitation in relation to rehabilitation of street children.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing community-based rehabilitation in order to improve rehabilitation of street children.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of community-based rehabilitation on rehabilitation of street children in Gombe State?
2. To what extent does community-based rehabilitation influence rehabilitation of street children within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with community-based rehabilitation in relation to rehabilitation of street children?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize community-based rehabilitation in order to improve rehabilitation of street children?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of social work, this study has practical value for management teams within Gombe State seeking to understand how community-based rehabilitation translates into measurable outcomes around rehabilitation of street children. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Gombe State, focusing specifically on how community-based rehabilitation relates to rehabilitation of street children within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.