12 (b) Assistance to children in HIV/AIDS households

Participants were asked to list who they thought should provide assistance to these children. Most of the participants favoured Government with 27% (excluding the 6% for the Department of Health and 5% for Education). The second largest group was Civil Society with 20% including 10% for NGOs. The third largest group was the Community with 11%.

The Government Departments listed by 27% of participants as being responsible for caring for HIV/AIDS infected or affected youth included: the Department of Social Development (Welfare Departments); Department of Justice and Support Courts; Department of Labour; the South African Police Service and the child protection units; officials responsible for food parcels; and Government departments responsible for foster care and adoption. Respondents also suggested a combination of Departments working together namely; the Department of Labour; the Department of Health; the Department of Social Development and the Department of Education.

Health Departments or health organisations were put forward by 11% of the sample and included institutions such as the Department of Health, Hospitals, Clinics and Hospices. Health workers and introducing palliative care and home based care were also suggested to provide assistance to these children. Of the participants 8% referred to Education Departments, organisations or individuals as being able to provide assistance to children. The list comprised of educators; the national Department of Education, School Principals, schools and feeding schemes at schools.

Civil Society organisations listed by 20% of participants made reference to child and family welfare organisations; AIDS helplines; child helplines like Childline; child support groups; counselling centres; FAMSA and Non Governmental Organisations.

11% of Respondents listed community based organisations such as Headman in the rural areas; community support groups, community centres and neighbours as being able to provide assistance to children.

4% of the participants cited Churches or faith based organisations including priests and church support groups as providing potential support to needy children.

Social Security and Grants was listed by 2% of the participants.

Social Workers were cited by 4% of respondents as being able to assist vulnerable children.

Psychologicaf assistance including, psychiatrists; psychologists and councillors were referred to by 2% of the sample.

1% of respondents suggest Business and food companies to help.

A further 10% of the sample suggested some general ideas for assisting affected children. These included assistance from shelters; places of safety; palliative care; volunteer parent groups; foster care; ward councillors; youth centres poverty alleviation schemes and different resources. Some participants felt that the type of assistance offered would depend on the area and circumstances of the child. Others thought it was important to provide the children with life skills training and coping skills to help them with their responsibilities. Participants proposed that the children be educated about child labour. Respondents suggested community outreach programmes to ensure the survival of orphaned children. It was felt that children should be told the truth and have access to voluntary counselling. As the problem is multifaceted participants suggested various institutions dealing with health, welfare and development should work together to be of assistance to these children.