Understanding the experiences and challenges of child-headed households and the role of social grants in South Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Understanding the experiences and challenges of child-headed households and the role of social grants in South Africa
Authors:	Mturi, Akim J. Sekudu, Johannah Kweka, Opportuna
Year:	2012
Periodical:	Journal of Social Development in Africa (ISSN 1012-1080)
Volume:	27
Issue:	2
Pages:	9-34
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	households children child care children's rights social policy
Abstract:	Research conducted in South Africa in the past two decades has played a key role in understanding the experiences and challenges of children living in child-headed households (CHH). The government of South Africa has taken steps to address the plight of CHH by establishing relevant policies. This article reports on the progress made in this regard and identifies gaps that require attention. It is based on a qualitative study conducted in the North-West province of South Africa in 2011. The aim of the study was to establish whether government efforts had translated into an improvement in the lives of the children living in CHH. The results showed that the main challenges of children living in CHH revolved around the access of basic needs. This study proffered a number of recommendations including that authorities should ensure that the CSG (child support grant) is made more accessible, heads of CHH should be allowed to receive the grant directly, and that social workers should be empowered to effectively deal with CHH. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]