Institutional Based Care Programs and Wellness of Vulnerable Children in Kenya: A Case Study of House of Hope, Molo

The study was driven by the need to address concerns about adequacy of institutional-based care programs in providing the best care for vulnerable children, particularly in fostering their holistic well-being through guardian empowerment and foster care and adoption. This research aimed to examine the effect of institutional-based care programs on the wellness of vulnerable children in Kenya, focusing on the House of Hope in Molo. The study was guided by two key objectives: to evaluate the effect of guardian empowerment programs on the wellness of vulnerable children and to determine how foster care and adoption affects their wellness. A descriptive research design was employed. The target population consisted of 180 participants, including members of staff, caregivers, and local community members associated with the institution. A sample size of 90 participants was selected using a purposive sampling technique, ensuring that individuals with relevant experience and knowledge were included. Data was collected through structured questionnaires designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative information and analyzed using SPSS version 26. The findings revealed a significant role of Guardian Empowerment Programme, with high scores for crisis management (Mean = 4.55), reflecting the institution’s proactive approach. However, areas like resource availability (Mean = 3.34) and training in best practices (Mean = 3.05) suggest opportunities for improvement. Additionally, foster care and adoption programs were rated highly for their contributions to emotional support (Mean = 4.38) and stable environments (Mean = 4.39), with integration across these services achieving the highest score (Mean = 4.55), underscoring the importance of comprehensive, collaborative models. The study concluded that well-structured institutional care programs significantly enhance the well-being of vulnerable children, especially through integrated models that combine guardian training with foster care and adoption services. It highlights the need for collaborative stakeholder efforts, improved resource allocation, and continuous caregiver development. To ensure sustainable care, institutions should adopt a holistic approach involving mentorship, partnerships, transparent processes, community engagement, and supportive legislation.