Challenges in securing seemly foster care for children living with HIV

Where developmental issues are concerned, children are any country's future. This population group is seen as a time-bomb ready to explode, unless there are ways to enable them to fulfil their aspirations. The high rate of HIV infection has left many children's future in obscurity. It has also exposed these children, particularly those already in need of care and protection, to a number of predicaments, among them failure to secure suitable foster care. This study investigated the challenges experienced by social workers in placing children living with HIV in foster care in Johannesburg, South Africa from an empowerment perspective. The research utilised a qualitative approach through focus group interviews with social workers and foster parents. Findings of the study revealed numerous fears and challenges regarding the foster care placement of children living with HIV. These challenges are a result of a complex-combination of sociological, psychosocial, medical and economic factors. Recommendations are made to improve the placement in foster care of children living with HIV.

Autorentext

Travailleur social zimbabwéen, exerçant à Johannesburg, en Afrique du Sud. Elle est titulaire d'une licence en travail social (Université du Zimbabwe) et d'une maîtrise en travail social (Université de Pretoria). Ses recherches portent sur la protection de l'enfance, la santé publique et le travail social de développement.

Klappentext

Where developmental issues are concerned, children are any country's future. This population group is seen as a time-bomb ready to explode, unless there are ways to enable them to fulfil their aspirations. The high rate of HIV infection has left many children's future in obscurity. It has also exposed these children, particularly those already in need of care and protection, to a number of predicaments, among them failure to secure suitable foster care. This study investigated the challenges experienced by social workers in placing children living with HIV in foster care in Johannesburg, South Africa from an empowerment perspective. The research utilised a qualitative approach through focus group interviews with social workers and foster parents. Findings of the study revealed numerous fears and challenges regarding the foster care placement of children living with HIV. These challenges are a result of a complex-combination of sociological, psychosocial, medical and economic factors. Recommendations are made to improve the placement in foster care of children living with HIV.