Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?

The world is experiencing an increase in the numbers of children requiring care, and Botswana is no exception. There are various alternative methods used to aid vulnerable children (VC).  Formal alternative care giving arrangements for children in need of care include residential care, formal adopt...

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Main Authors: Tumani Malinga, Poloko N. Ntshwarang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Social Work & Society 2011-10-01
Series:Social Work and Society
Online Access:http://132.195.130.183/index.php/sws/article/view/1397
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author Tumani Malinga
Poloko N. Ntshwarang
author_facet Tumani Malinga
Poloko N. Ntshwarang
author_sort Tumani Malinga
collection DOAJ
description The world is experiencing an increase in the numbers of children requiring care, and Botswana is no exception. There are various alternative methods used to aid vulnerable children (VC).  Formal alternative care giving arrangements for children in need of care include residential care, formal adoption and guardianship sanctioned by the courts. Historically, kinship care was used to address the needs of vulnerable children. However, African societies, including Botswana are going through a process of rapid social, economic, and cultural change and families are living under extreme poverty, and finding it difficult to extend help to other relatives. Even though some alternative methods are available, there is need for them to be revisited to examine whether the best interests of the child are met. This article explores the alternative care methods for children in Botswana. It looks at the method's strengths and challenges. Supporting vulnerable children is critical to the future of sub-Saharan Africa and urgent action is essential. The paper discusses the implications of the methods of alternative care and calls for community, national, and international responses.  It also argues for the need for technical and financial resources to critically address the escalating needs of the country's vulnerable children. 
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spelling doaj-art-2ca08c665a58473ebd1147446eb5dda22025-08-20T02:47:10ZengSocial Work & SocietySocial Work and Society1613-89532011-10-0192Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?Tumani MalingaPoloko N. NtshwarangThe world is experiencing an increase in the numbers of children requiring care, and Botswana is no exception. There are various alternative methods used to aid vulnerable children (VC).  Formal alternative care giving arrangements for children in need of care include residential care, formal adoption and guardianship sanctioned by the courts. Historically, kinship care was used to address the needs of vulnerable children. However, African societies, including Botswana are going through a process of rapid social, economic, and cultural change and families are living under extreme poverty, and finding it difficult to extend help to other relatives. Even though some alternative methods are available, there is need for them to be revisited to examine whether the best interests of the child are met. This article explores the alternative care methods for children in Botswana. It looks at the method's strengths and challenges. Supporting vulnerable children is critical to the future of sub-Saharan Africa and urgent action is essential. The paper discusses the implications of the methods of alternative care and calls for community, national, and international responses.  It also argues for the need for technical and financial resources to critically address the escalating needs of the country's vulnerable children.  http://132.195.130.183/index.php/sws/article/view/1397
spellingShingle Tumani Malinga
Poloko N. Ntshwarang
Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?
Social Work and Society
title Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?
title_full Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?
title_fullStr Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?
title_full_unstemmed Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?
title_short Alternative Care for Children in Botswana: a Reality or Idealism?
title_sort alternative care for children in botswana a reality or idealism
url http://132.195.130.183/index.php/sws/article/view/1397
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