Rethinking the Meaning of Family for Adolescents and Youth in Zimbabwe's Child Welfare Institutions

This book explores the lives of children and young adults in residential care systems in Zimbabwe and their diverse conceptualization of family, highlighting the importance of belonging, continuity of relationships, protection, and trust in their lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 163 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the lives of children and young adults residing in residential care systems in Zimbabwe, shedding light on their distinctive perspective on family. While the immense significance of family in fostering children's development and well-being cannot be overstated, the exploration of what constitutes family for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) remains relatively under-researched. Gwenzi adopts a social constructionist approach to examine OVCs in both institutional care and their family environments in Zimbabwe, revealing that they do not adhere to a singular definition of family. Instead, they employ a range of characteristics to define what family means to them. Through the analysis of the data, which indicates a longing for belonging, continuity of relationships, protection, and trust, this study offers valuable recommendations for policy and practice concerning youth in alternative care in sub-Saharan Africa.

Introduction:
Residential care systems in Zimbabwe provide care and support to children and young adults who have been orphaned, abandoned, or placed in care due to various circumstances. These systems play a crucial role in addressing the needs of vulnerable children and ensuring their well-being. However, the conceptualization of family among these children and young adults is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires further exploration.

The Importance of Family:
Family plays a vital role in the development and well-being of children. It provides a sense of belonging, continuity, and support, which are essential for healthy emotional and social development. Research has shown that children who grow up in stable and nurturing families tend to have better outcomes in terms of education, mental health, and overall life satisfaction.

Challenges Faced by OVCs:
OVCs face unique challenges due to their circumstances. They may lack a sense of identity and belonging, as well as experience feelings of abandonment and rejection. Additionally, they may be living in environments that are not conducive to their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Conceptualization of Family by OVCs:
The conceptualization of family by OVCs is diverse and complex. It may include a combination of biological family members, extended family members, caregivers, and other significant individuals in their lives. OVCs may also redefine what family means to them based on their experiences and the relationships they form.

Gwenzi's Research:
Gwenzi's research focuses on examining the lives of OVCs in both institutional care and their family environments in Zimbabwe. She adopts a social constructionist approach, which emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping individuals' perceptions of family.

Findings:
Gwenzi's findings reveal that OVCs do not have a single definition of family. Instead, they use a range of characteristics to describe what family means to them. These characteristics include emotional support, financial support, physical protection, and a sense of belonging.

Recommendations:
Based on the findings of Gwenzi's research, there are several recommendations for policy and practice with youth in alternative care in sub-Saharan Africa. These recommendations include:

• Providing comprehensive support to OVCs, including emotional, psychological, and financial support.


• Fostering a sense of belonging and identity among OVCs by promoting their participation in social activities and community engagement.


• Encouraging continuity of relationships between OVCs and their biological family members and other significant individuals in their lives.


• Implementing policies and programs that prioritize the protection and well-being of OVCs, including measures to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Conclusion:
The conceptualization of family among OVCs in residential care systems in Zimbabwe is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires further exploration. By adopting a social constructionist approach and understanding the diverse characteristics that OVCs use to define family, we can develop policies and practices that prioritize the well-being and protection of these vulnerable children.

Weight: 379g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031233746
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023