Realities of foster parents caring for foster care children living with HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Foster care was instituted as a child protection mechanism in South Africa at the dawn of democracy, offering vulnerable and orphaned children alternative placement alternatives to stay with their relatives. Orphans living with HIV derive significant benefits from this placement, as their grandmothers provide essential support, enabling them to experience love, care, and safety. This study sought to examine foster parents caring for children in foster care who are living with HIV and AIDS. The study was grounded in resilience theory. A qualitative technique was utilised to collect comprehensive data, supported by phenomenological, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study approaches. This technique facilitated an understanding of caregiving among 16 participants by providing insight into their ideas, emotions, and experiences. The study utilised foster parents as a sample, gathering their experiences through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using the five steps delineated by Yin. This research examines four key themes: financial difficulty, diagnostic unawareness, challenges in disclosure, and psychosocial support and resilience. Despite various challenges, carers shown perseverance in foster caregiving. Participants depended on their spiritual convictions, healthcare, and psychosocial assistance from social workers and healthcare professionals. This paper elaborates on the available research about foster parents and children living with HIV/AIDS from a social work perspective. The recommendations aim to strengthen current support systems and enhance social functioning among carers and foster children..

Keywords: {'name': 'foster care'}, {'name': 'HIV AIDS'}, {'name': 'psychosocial support'}, {'name': 'social work'}, {'name': 'children'}

Authors & affiliations

Mokgadi Merriam Makgopela
University of South Africa

Linda Modjadji Shirindi
University of South Africa

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