Welfare Reform on the Web (December 2009): Child welfare - overseas

Experiences of children heading households in the wake of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic in South Africa

N. Nkomo, M. Freeman and D. Skinner

Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, vol.4, 2009, p. 255-263

The phenomenon of child headed households in South Africa has emerged from the escalating numbers of children losing parents to AIDS. This study aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges confronted by children heading households in the wake of the HIV/AIDS epidemic through interviews with a purposive sample of 14 young people. The children's experiences were grouped into three thematic areas: experiences with parental illness, the effect of parental loss, and adjustment challenges post-parental death. Results indicate the need for more professional support for these families at all stages.

Helping to lift the shadows

K. Ly

Community Practitioner, vol.82, Nov. 2009, p. 12-13

UK and international child safeguarding policies explored at the 2009 Unite/CPHVA Annual Professional Conference highlight the need for a universal, well-resourced home visiting service and for early intervention. The value of evidence-based parenting programmes is emphasised.

Integrating cultural competency and evidence-based practices in child welfare

S.I. Wells and H.E. Briggs (editors)

Children and Youth Services Review, vol. 31, 2009, p. 1147-1213

For some time mental health professionals have noted that treatments with strong research foundations are not linked to culture, and empirically supported treatments have rarely been deemed effective with racially diverse populations. The same issue arises in child welfare interventions. This special issue represents a stage in a process that seeks to construct and disseminate an approach that will combine cultural competence with evidence-based practice . The articles focus on three major themes: theoretical frameworks for integration; case studies of applications in practice, policy and research; and reports on some of the first steps in developing the knowledge-base for an integrated consideration of EBP and cultural competence.