THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS OF ADOLESCENT ORPHANS IN FOSTER CARE

HIV and AIDS have a major impact on families and on community structures in South Africa. Children are especially affected when they are orphaned. Research was undertaken to identify the circumstances and needs of adolescent orphans affected by HIV and AIDS in foster care. Thirty adolescent orphans from the researcher’s caseload and 85 social workers who work with such cases completed questionnaires. The results indicated that these adolescents have unique circumstances and needs. This information is essential for social workers in order to help these adolescents to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to improve their social functioning.