Browsing by Author "Mabemba, Tafadzwa"

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    Child-Headed households and community social networks in Hogsburg area, South Africa: dynamics and implications for social work interventions.
    (University of Fort Hare, 2016-11) Mabemba, Tafadzwa
    Child-headed households consist of children who stay alone below the age of 17. The eldest child is responsible for other sibling's support and care rather than by an adult who is responsible for the wellbeing of children. This study aimed at exploring the dynamics of child-headed households and community social networks as well as the implications for social work interventions. The work was guided by resilience theory and sustainable livelihoods approach. The study adopted qualitative research design using purposive and theoretical sampling. The data was specifically drawn from Hogsburg area through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The participants for the study were child-headed households from the age of 10 to 17 years, community members and social workers. An analysis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions shows that child-headed households in Hogsburg area face various challenges including social, economic, psychological and mental problems, which affects their livelihoods. The findings revealed that child-headed household encounter various challenges as a result of inadequate provision of community social networks and social work interventions. It was therefore, concluded that in order for child-headed households to have an improved way of living, there is need of partnership and collaboration between informal and formal community social networks. It is recommended that the government through social development department and civil organizations working with children should enhance a good working relationship that contributes to the development of childheaded households. Additionally, non-governmental organizations should be linked and allowed to work with child-headed households in Hogsburg area regardless of the area's political affiliations.