The state of our children's homes: a descriptive study of conditions and resources within childrens homes in the greater Johannesburg area with special reference to the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on these facilities and the training/expertise of caregivers working in these homes
Date
2008-10-15T11:04:04Z
Authors
Meiring, Michelle Adrienne
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The HIV epidemic in South Africa has increased not only the number of ill children but also
the number of orphans. Although the establishment of orphanages is not sustainable, the
number of residential care facilities continues to increase. Many persons working in South
African children s homes can testify to the impact HIV has had on this sector, but no studies
have actually measured it.
AIMS
The primary aim of this research was to determine the impact of HIV on the Johannesburg
children s homes. The secondary aims were to make recommendations informed by this
research to assist children s homes to mitigate the impact and to inform the activities of the
Children s Homes Outreach Medical Programme (CHOMP).
METHODS
A rapid appraisal of all children s homes in the greater Johannesburg was done by means of a
telephonic survey. This was followed by an in depth analysis of 24 children s homes through
the use of questionnaires, data collection forms, a pop quiz for residential child care workers
and the inspection of facilities.
RESULTS
A total of 115 residential care facilities with a population (excluding the special needs homes)
of 5 934 were identified. In a sample of 24 homes, 31,7% of the children were HIV affected
and 20% HIV infected. The morbidity rate in the homes was 10%, and 99% of this morbidity
was attributable to HIV/AIDS. Over a 6 month period 57 children died in the children s homes,
93% from HIV related conditions.
Description
Keywords
children's homes, johannesburg, HIV/AIDS, impact, training/expertise of caregivers, conditions, resources