ABSTRACT

Children on the street are vulnerable to well-being risks and substance use, yet there are limited evidence-informed interventions for them. This study examined how storytelling and child-directed play influence the self-esteem, moral reasoning, and prosocial behavior of five Filipino children on the street who use marijuana. The program’s cumulative influence on the child’s individuality is also examined. The program intervention’s influence was measured through behavioral observations, assessment scores, and semi-structured session and assessment interviews. Multiple case analyses highlighted the varying influence of the program on the three constructs. These were confidence, affirmation of thoughts and feelings, encouragement toward transcendence on self-esteem, re-association of thoughts to healthy ones on moral reasoning, and altruism, care, and respect in play on prosocial behavior. Most important was the program’s free and accepting environment, which fostered healthy relationships between facilitators, children, and peers. This study underpins the need to address the psychological needs of children on the street individually and contextually, and the need to invest in evidence-informed programs for them.