| Summary: | HIV and AIDS related deaths have left numerous children heading households as the
number of adults dying from this pandemic increased significantly. The goal of this
study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences, challenges and coping
resources of AIDS-orphans heading households in an urban area in Free State using a
qualitative study. The research revealed that the level of suffering faced by these
children began with their parents’ illness. This was further worsened by the death of
the parents. These children are in most instances not absorbed by their extended
families as the traditional safety nets are stretched to their limits. Children heading
households were forced to take up adult responsibilities prematurely and as such
encounter challenges on daily basis. The study concluded that the child headed
families are a reality in South Africa and need lots of support from the government and local communities. === Social Work === M.A. (Social Work)
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