LIVING IN FOSTER CARE AND IN A CHILDREN’S HOME: VOICES OF CHILDREN AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Nevashnee Perumal,Madhu Kasiram

doi:10.15270/45-2-215

Abstract

Foster care is clearly seen as the preferred option in alternate care of the vulnerable child inSouth Africa and internationally (Kiraly, 2001; Long, 2007; McKay, 2002; Morei, 2002). TheChildren’s Act 38/2005 clearly prioritizes a foster care placement over a child and youth carecentre of which a Children’s Home is a part (Section 46(1)(a) – Children’s Act 38/2005 –(http://www.acts.co.za). Given the steady decline in traditional family living due to amongstother factors HIV/AIDS, poverty and unemployment in South Africa, the dominant view offamily care being prioritized may not always be feasible. This paper provides researchedevidence of lived experiences in both alternative care placements to deepen understanding ofbest practice options for alternate care planning and management.The objectives of the research study were:• to explore children’s experiences of foster care and the Children’s Home placement.• to explore experiences and challenges of foster parents and caregivers in Children’s Homesin caring for vulnerable children.

Highlights

Foster care is clearly seen as the preferred option in alternate care of the vulnerable child in South Africa and internationally (Kiraly, 2001; Long, 2007; McKay, 2002; Morei, 2002)
THE SAMPLE Thirteen children consented to participate in the study, five of which had moved through multiple foster homes
In hearing the voices of children and their caregivers, it appeared that Children’s Homes were financially better off than foster families to care for vulnerable children, they were not better resourced

Summary

Introduction

Foster care is clearly seen as the preferred option in alternate care of the vulnerable child in South Africa and internationally (Kiraly, 2001; Long, 2007; McKay, 2002; Morei, 2002). The Children’s Act 38/2005 clearly prioritizes a foster care placement over a child and youth care centre of which a Children’s Home is a part (Section 46(1)(a) – Children’s Act 38/2005 – (http://www.acts.co.za). This paper provides researched evidence of lived experiences in both alternative care placements to deepen understanding of best practice options for alternate care planning and management. To explore children’s experiences of foster care and the Children’s Home placement. To explore experiences and challenges of foster parents and caregivers in Children’s Homes in caring for vulnerable children

Methods

Results

Conclusion