Author: Karina Soni

Authors: Tapologo Maundeni, Tumani Malinga-Musamba

Date: April 2013

Abstract: With the orphan population escalating, communities continue to rely on relatives to provide care to orphans. Therefore, there is a need to explore the role of caregivers with regard to the well-being of orphans, the challenges they face, as well as how they could be empowered to be more responsive to children’s needs. The paper acknowledges that informal caregivers play an important role in the lives of orphans. The paper also concedes that, in the process, caregivers are faced with challenges which make it difficult for them to fulfil their responsibilities and roles. As a result, they sometimes act as sources of stress to orphans, which eventually complicate the children’s adjustment to the loss of their parents. Lastly, the paper paves the way to ensuring that challenges faced by informal caregivers are addressed in a manner that will make them more supportive to orphans.

[button link=”http://www.curationis.org.za/index.php/curationis/article/view/105“]Read More[/button]

Authors: Donald Skinner, Carla Sharp, Sean Jooste, Sakhumzi Mfecane, Leickness Simbayi

Date: May 2013

Abstract:

Background: It is generally assumed that orphan status increases the risk to children of a range of negative outcomes. In South Africa, death of parents due to HIV-related illness is contributing to a rapid increase in the prevalence of orphans. This paper presents descriptive data from two South African communities, namely Kopanong, in the Free State and Kanana in the North West province, characterising the differences between orphans (double, maternal and paternal) and non-orphans on key criteria of social vulnerability.

Objectives: The objective was to obtain a better understanding of how different types of orphans and non-orphans may differ in these key areas as a crucial starting point for addressing the devastating consequences the AIDS epidemic has on these children’s lives. While the study focuses on two specific areas these will provide insight into the general situation of orphans in South Africa.

Methods: A cross-sectional census survey was conducted in the two communities of Kopanong, comprising n = 5254 households and Kanana, comprising n = 12 984 households.

Results: In Kopanong, 8.2% of children had lost both parents, 19.1% had lost their father and 6.5% their mother only, whilst in Kanana the results were 6.5%, 28.1% and 3.7% respectively. Loss of both parents appeared to have a consistent impact on material need, including access to food, clothing and essential services, whilst loss of a single parent seems to have a more variable impact. At present, there are very few child headed households, but this constitutes a risk in the longer term.

Conclusions: Orphans appear to be more vulnerable in terms of material need. Children assessed in this study as being most in need were not accessing adequately many services directed at them. There is a need to extend understanding and measurement of emotional need and abuse.

[button link=”http://www.curationis.org.za/index.php/curationis/article/view/105“]Read More[/button]

Study: Domestic chores workload and depressive symptoms among children affected by HIV/AIDS in China

Authors: Yun Yua, Xiaoming Lib, Liying Zhangb, Junfeng Zhaoc, Guoxiang Zhaoc, Yu Zhengd & Bonita Stantonb

Date: May 2013

Abstract: Limited data are available regarding the effects of domestic chores workload on psychological problems among children affected by HIV/AIDS in China. The current study aims to examine association between children’s depressive symptoms and the domestic chores workload (i.e., the frequency and the amount of time doing domestic chores). Data were derived from the baseline survey of a longitudinal study which investigated the impact of parental HIV/AIDS on psychological problems of children. A total of 1449 children in family-based care were included in the analysis: 579 orphaned children who lost one or both parents due to AIDS, 466 vulnerable children living with one or both parents being infected with HIV, and 404 comparison children who did not have HIV/AIDS-infected family members in their families. Results showed differences on domestic chores workload between children affected by HIV/AIDS (orphans and vulnerable children) and the comparison children. Children affected by HIV/AIDS worked more frequently and worked longer time on domestic chores than the comparison children. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that domestic chores workload was positively associated with depressive symptoms. The data suggest that children affected by HIV/AIDS may face increasing burden of domestic chores and it is necessary to reduce the excessive workload of domestic chores among children affected by HIV/AIDS through increasing community-based social support for children in the families affected by HIV/AIDS.

[button link=”http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09540121.2012.722603?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed”]Read More[/button]

Authors: Kristen E. Cheney

Date: 2013

Abstract: This article considers ways to shift the implementation of children’s rights-based aid approaches from protectionism, which hinders orphans and vulnerable children’s (OVCs) survival strategies, to empowerment in order to transform OVC livelihoods. I emphasize children’s citizenship as a means of increasing OVC participation in policy-making.

[button link=”http://isw.sagepub.com/content/56/1/92.abstract”]Read More[/button]

Authors: Lauren G. Wild, Alan J. Flisher and Brian A. Robertson

Date:  March 2013

Abstract: The AIDS pandemic has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of orphans in South Africa. This study was designed to investigate the associations between family, peer, and community factors and resilience in orphaned adolescents. Self-report questionnaires were administered verbally to 159 parentally bereaved adolescents (aged 10-19) in an economically deprived urban area. Questionnaires included measures of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicate that cumulative stress exposure, losing a parent to a cause other than HIV and AIDS, and being cared for by a nonrelative were associated with an increased risk of internalizing symptoms. Family regulation and respect for individuality, peer connection, and community connection and regulation were significantly associated with greater emotional resilience. The findings support a main-effects model of resilience in which risk factors and protective factors contribute additively to the prediction of the outcome, without interaction.

[button link=”http://yas.sagepub.com/content/45/1/140″]Read More[/button]

Author: Juma, Milka

Date: March 2013

Abstract: A household survey of male and female adolescents was conducted to establish whether orphanhood or other factors contribute to risky sexual behavior. Results show that orphanhood was not associated with risky sexual behavior. Sleeping in a different house from the household head and attending social activities at night were positively associated with sexual activity and transactional sex among boys and girls. Older adolescents were more likely to be sexually active while urban residents, and those who perceived their caregivers as able to provide for their basic needs, were less likely to have ever engaged in sex. Condom use at last sex was associated with older age and having talked with parents/caregivers about sexual risks. Interventions should address these predictors, promote risk reduction among all adolescents irrespective of orphan status, and strengthen parents’/guardians’ capacity to discuss sexuality with adolescents and to provide for their basic needs.

[button link=”http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0336-5″]Read More[/button]

Authors: Ruiz-Casares M, Trocmé N, Fallon B.

Date: 2012

Abstract:

This study explores prevalence and characteristics associated with supervisory neglect and physical harm in children in the child welfare system in Canada.

METHODS:

The sample included all substantiated primary maltreatment investigations in the 2008 Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect excluding cases where exposure to intimate partner violence was the sole reason for investigation (n=3,380). Bivariate tests were used to assess differences across types of maltreatments and to compare supervisory neglect cases with and without physical harm on factors related to child injury and supervision.

RESULTS:

Supervisory neglect was the primary concern in an estimated 12,793 cases of substantiated maltreatment across Canada in 2008. Compared to other types of maltreatment, cases of supervisory neglect involved more overcrowded housing conditions and children who were younger and less likely to have any functioning issue. Injuries were noted in only 2% of cases supervisory neglect and half of these injuries were not severe enough to require medical treatment. Other physical health conditions were noted in 2% of supervisory neglect cases. Physical harm was noted most often for toddlers (1-2 years old) and adolescents (12-15 years old). Household and caregiver characteristics were not associated with greater rates of physical harm. In contrast, 7% of children with any risk factor suffered physical harm as a result of supervisory neglect mainly related to substance abuse, self-harming behavior, and multiple incidents of running from care.

CONCLUSIONS:

Child risk factors are often present in cases of supervisory neglect with physical harm. Nonetheless, 96% of all cases of supervisory neglect substantiated by Canadian child welfare authorities do not involve physical harm. Clearer guidelines are needed for the assessment of supervisory neglect. Alternative response systems may be more suitable for low-risk cases.

[button link=”http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09540121.2012.722603?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed”]Read More[/button]

 

Authors: Wathen CN, MacGregor JC, Hammerton J, Coben JH, Herrman H, Stewart DE, MacMillan HL; PreVAiL Research Network.

Date: 2012

Abstract:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (CM) are major global public health problems. The Preventing Violence Across the Lifespan (PreVAiL) Research Network, an international group of over 60 researchers and national and international knowledge-user partners in CM and IPV, sought to identify evidence-based research priorities in IPV and CM, with a focus on resilience, using a modified Delphi consensus development process.

METHODS:

Review of existing empirical evidence, PreVAiL documents and team discussion identified a starting list of 20 priorities in the following categories: resilience to violence exposure (RES), CM, and IPV, as well as priorities that cross-cut the content areas (CC), and others specific to research methodologies (RM) in violence research. PreVAiL members (N = 47) completed two online survey rounds, and one round of discussions via three teleconference calls to rate, rank and refine research priorities.

RESULTS:

Research priorities were: to examine key elements of promising or successful programmes in RES/CM/IPV to build intervention pilot work; CC: to integrate violence questions into national and international surveys, and RM: to investigate methods for collecting and collating datasets to link data and to conduct pooled, meta and sub-group analyses to identify promising interventions for particular groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

These evidence-based research priorities, developed by an international team of violence, gender and mental health researchers and knowledge-user partners, are of relevance for prevention and resilience-oriented research in the areas of IPV and CM.

[button link=”http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/684″]Read More[/button]

Authors: Kyte A, Trocmé N, Chamberland C.

Date: 2012

Abstract:

Differential response (DR) models have been implemented internationally since the mid-1990s as an innovative way of responding to child maltreatment. The purpose of the present article is to review the literature on DR and the implications it has for current child welfare research, policy and practice.

METHODS:

A review of DR studies published from 2000 to 2012 available through various social service databases was conducted. DR evaluation reports from various states were also reviewed. Salient factors are reported.

RESULTS:

DR does not compromise child safety, positive results have been found with regards to family engagement, worker satisfaction, quicker response times and involvement with community organizations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Rigorous methodological testing needs to be conducted to further strengthen DR findings.

[button link=”http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0145-2134(12)00239-6″]Read More[/button]

Authors: Sinha V, Trocmé N, Fallon B, Maclaurin B.

Date: 2013

Abstract:

The overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in child welfare systems in the U.S., Canada, and Australia is well documented, but limited attention has been paid to investigation-stage disproportionality. This paper examines the overrepresentation of First Nations (the largest of three federally recognized Aboriginal groups in Canada) children, focusing on three questions: (1) What is the level/nature of First Nations overrepresentation at the investigation stage? (2) What is known about the source of referrals in child welfare investigations involving First Nations children? (3) What risk factors and child functioning concerns are identified for investigated First Nations children and families?

METHODS:

The First Nations Component of the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (FNCIS-2008) was designed to address limitations in existing Aboriginal child welfare data: it sampled one quarter of the Aboriginally governed child welfare agencies that conduct investigations in Canada, gathered data on over 3,000 investigations involving First Nations children, and incorporated weights designed for analysis of First Nations data. Bivariate analyses are used to compare investigations involving First Nations and non-Aboriginal children.

RESULTS:

The rate of investigations for First Nations children living in the areas served by sampled agencies was 4.2 times that for non-Aboriginal children; investigation-stage overrepresentation was compounded by each short term case disposition examined. A higher proportion of First Nations than non-Aboriginal investigations involved non-professional referrals, a pattern consistent with disparities in access to alternative services. Workers expressed concerns about multiple caregiver risk factor concerns for more than ½ of investigated First Nations families and, with the exception of “health issues”, identified every caregiver/household risk factor examined in a greater percentage of First Nations than non-Aboriginal households.

CONCLUSIONS:

It would be extremely difficult to reduce First Nations overrepresentation at later decision points without addressing overrepresentation at the investigation-stage. Despite the serious needs of investigated First Nations families, alternatives to traditional child protection responses may be appropriate in many cases. If First Nations overrepresentation is to be reduced, child welfare agencies must be equipped to provide supports needed to help families address factors such as poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, and lack of social supports.

[button link=”http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0145-2134(12)00260-8″]Read More[/button]

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