Knowledge Of Life Skills Among Homeless Children: Insights From A Juvenile Care Facility In Gujarat

Background: Life skills are fundamental competencies that enable individuals to manage challenges, make informed decisions, and lead productive lives. For vulnerable groups such as homeless children and adolescents, these skills play a pivotal role in resilience, social reintegration, and mental well-being. Adolescence, characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, becomes particularly challenging in the absence of supportive family or social structures. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and proficiency in life skills among homeless children and adolescents residing in a juvenile center in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and to examine variations based on age and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 participants using a structured, close-ended questionnaire validated by experts. The tool assessed domains of decision-making, problem-solving, communication, self-awareness, and social responsibility. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify associations between demographic variables (age and gender) and life skills proficiency. Ethical approval was obtained from the university ethics committee, and informed consent was taken. Results: Findings revealed significant age-related variations in decision-making, accident response, and problem-solving (p ≤ 0.05). Gender differences were significant in questions related to decision-making consequences and mathematical reasoning (p = 0.04). However, no substantial differences were observed in domains such as environmental conservation, classroom behavior, or non-verbal communication. The majority of participants demonstrated limited baseline knowledge, with younger children (5–10 years) exhibiting lower proficiency compared to older adolescents. Conclusion: The study highlights inadequate life skills knowledge among homeless children and adolescents in juvenile care. Structured life skills training, focusing on age- and gender-sensitive interventions, is urgently required to empower these vulnerable populations, improve resilience, and foster reintegration into society.