Orphans of the AIDS epidemic? The extent, nature and circumstances of child-headed households in South Africa

Abstract

There is widespread concern that the number of children living in “child-headed households” is rapidly increasing as a result of AIDS-related adult mortality in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Based on analyses of data from several representative national surveys over the period 2000–2007, this paper examines the extent to which this is the case in South Africa. It explores trends in the number of children living in child-only households and characterises these children relative to children living in households with adults (mixed-generation households). The findings indicate that the proportion of child-only households is relatively small (0.47% in 2006) and does not appear to be increasing. In addition, the vast majority (92.1%) of children resident in child-only households have a living parent. The findings raise critical questions about the circumstances leading to the formation of child-only households and highlight that they cannot for the main part be ascribed to HIV orphaning. Nonetheless, the number of children living in this household form is not insignificant, and their circumstances, when compared with children in mixed-generation households, indicate a range of challenges, including greater economic vulnerability and inadequate service access. We argue that a solitary focus on the HIV epidemic and its related orphaning as the cause of child-only households masks other important issues for consideration in addressing their needs, and risks the development of inappropriate policies, programmes and interventions.

Child and young adult-headed households in the context of the AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe, 1988–2006

“…This study finds that a significant number of CHH and YAH are not a consequence of parental death, and this is consistent with others in sub-Saharan Africa (see Meintjes et al, 2010;RuizCasares 2009). Also, we find that in spite of allegedly rapid increases in the number of orphans, the proportion of CHH and YAH has remained relatively stable since 1999.…”

“…In line with the findings of Meintjes et al (2010), table 4 shows that a surprisingly high proportion of children living in CHH and YAH report having both parents alive, 65% and 54% respectively. Moreover, the proportion of CHH and YAH actually headed by orphans is even smaller, by 2006 only 15% of this type of households were run by orphans (not shown).…”

“…Regarding the evolution of CHH and YAH, a recent study in South Africa showed that the numbers of CHH have not increased since 2000 and that, for a vast majority of children in such households, one or both parents are in fact alive but live elsewhere (Meintjes et al, 2010). In a follow up to this study the authors analyzed 18 countries 1 in sub-Saharan Africa, finding that the proportion of children in CHH with both parents alive ranges between 56% (Swaziland) and 98% (Burkina Faso).…”

In-service teacher training to provide psychosocial support and care in high-risk and high-need schools: school-based intervention partnerships

“…Bhana et al (2006) argue that there is a greater need for psychosocial support and care in schools with fewer resources and at lower socio-economic levels. This is particularly the case in South Africa where the growing number of socio-economic barriers in South Africa has devastating effects on individuals, families, schools and communities (Meintjes et al 2009;Smit and Fritz 2008).…”

Orphanhood and Living Arrangements of Children in Nepal

“…A study in South Africa revealed the contradictory result that significantly low (0.47 %) children reside in child headed households and its remain steady. Surprisingly, more than 92 % of those children headed households have living parents (Meintjes, Hall, Marera, & Boulle, 2010).…”