Experiences of Foster Parents and Fostered Adolescent Females’ Sexual Behavior in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences of four foster parents and sexual behavior of four fostered adolescent females (aged 15-18), who were purposively sampled from the Department of Social Development, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paper is underpinned by social exchange theory pioneered by Emmerson, which posits that adolescent females may be linked to risky sexual behavior and exchange sex for money with older men owing to poverty and poor parent-child communication. This study followed qualitative approach in collecting data by means of focus group interviews. Findings from this study indicate that foster parents are financially and emotionally abusive and contributing towards adolescent females’ alcohol abuse and sexual promiscuity. The recommendations are that the government should ensure that foster parents do not to contravene the South African Children's Act 38 of 2005 section 181, which advocates for nurturance of every child living in foster care.