The implementation of the foster child grant: a case study of the experiences of caregivers and implementers in the Umgungundlovu District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of foster parents. It also examined the experiences of foster care programme implementers. There has been an increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) who require care and protection, and while there is a wealth of literature and legislative frameworks that address their needs and care, little is known about the lived experiences of their primary caregivers. The study aimed to address this gap. Many studies on the implementation of foster care services have been conducted but the focus of these studies has been on interviewing social workers (as key participants). This study differs in that all key stakeholders were interviewed to gain a better understanding of the study phenomenon. Based on a case study approach, the findings show that foster parents, as the primary caregivers of OVC, face a variety of challenges including dealing with foster children who display behavioural issues, family and community interference with their foster care roles and responsibilities, and a lack of support from welfare agencies. The study's findings also show that a key barrier to efficient and effective foster care implementation is a lack of administrative capacity while other barriers include political interference and a lack of senior management support.The significance of this study rests in its contribution to the body of knowledge on foster care services through the recommendations that follow: The study recommends, based on its findings, that a comprehensive needs assessment be carried out in foster families before a child is placed with them and that programmes and policies that are informed by the real-life circumstances of these families be explored. The needs assessment approach must include foster parents' needs, and it must be ensured that foster parents, who play a critical part in raising foster children, are psychologically, spiritually, financially, and physically prepared to take on the duty.For effective implementation of the foster care programme, it is recommended that comprehensive research and expert consultation be conducted before policy development and that personnel training, the availability of necessary resources, and monitoring of policy implementation are essential in terms of the policy's success. It is also recommended that a collaborative approach between bureaucrats and key policy programme implementing partners be established. This includes developing a clear legislative framework or policy document that includes all relevant stakeholders, their roles and responsibilities, and a clear application procedure. The implementing agencies must be provided with new and enhanced existing technologies to simplify the application, verification, and selection criteria processes for all v involved in the foster programme implementation including, importantly, the recipients of the programme.vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the foster parents from the four municipalities w...