Guidelines for social workers to improve foster care placements for children affected by HIV/AIDS

Abstract

HIV and AIDS are dramatically reshaping the population structure of South Africa. The number of orphans as a result of AIDS-related deaths is expected to rise. This places a heavier burden of care on grandmothers, female relatives and community members, and children. One of the consequences of AIDS-related deaths is the increase in the number of foster care applications. The involvement of social workers in providing care for the infected, but especially the affected, is important. Social workers find themselves in the frontline with regard to dealing with the consequences of HIV and AIDS. The aim of the study was to develop guidelines for social workers to address the needs of foster children and foster parents affected by HIV and AIDS. A literature study and empirical research was done. The survey method was used as a systematic data gathering procedure. Data was gathered among 21 foster children and their 21 foster parents by means of a self-designed schedule. The researcher administered the schedules by conducting a personal interview with each of the respondents. This research was done in the Motheo district. The findings of this research reflected that foster parents and their foster children affected by HIV and AIDS experience a huge amount of problems. Social workers do not always address these problems adequately; therefore there is much room for improvement, especially in the Motheo district.