The integration of orphans and vulnerable children into society: a case study of St Monica Children’s Home, Bluff.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The integration of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) into mainstream society has
highlighted the inefficiencies of the orphanage system. Orphanages also known as child
and youth care centres (CYCC), are devoted to taking care of OVCs that have been
removed from their biological families due to the risks they faced. The study employed an
exploratory qualitative research technique with the aid of the socio-legal research
framework to depict the challenges that are faced by the OVCs during integration. The
research made use of non-probability sampling techniques, in particular, purposive
sampling to select participants for the interviews. Socio-Legal empirical research theory
and Content analysis were employed to assess the information which was collected from
the telephonic interviews. The research concludes that institutions are creating a
dependency syndrome that makes it difficult for the OVCs to adjust to life outside the
children’s homes. Unfortunately, the policies implemented to safeguard the lives of the
OVCs in the institution does more harm than good. The OVCs are inadequately prepared
for life after reunification. Reunification is a process whereby a child is transitioned back
to his or her biological family. The reunification process is flawed making the OVCs
vulnerable. The study depicted that post-institutional support provided by the Department
of Social Development is ineffective. The study focused on the legal implications of the
reunification process. It was evident that children are not capable to lead an independent
life after reunification. They still feel the need to get assistance from the institutions they
were once placed. The reunification process struggles to meet up with the promulgated
best interest of the child principle provided in the Children’s Act. Social workers who have
a responsibility to assist OVCs who are found to be in need of care and protection are
overwhelmed with high caseloads and struggle to effectively reintegrate these children
back into society.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.