Helen Meintjes

Spinning the Epidemic: The Making of Mythologies of Orphanhood in the Context of AIDS.

This article questions why a somewhat singular focus on orphanhood in the context of AIDS persists despite important shifts to more inclusive terminology of ‘orphans and vulnerable children’. Analysis of data from South Africa raises questions about the ‘spin’ placed on ‘orphanhood’ and its perceived consequences for children. Local notions of vulnerability and of orphanhood are examined, and their mismatch with international policy definitions noted. The article illustrates how the global focus on orphans consolidates stereotypes of childrens experiences, and moderates local applications of the term. It concludes by arguing that the global preoccupation with orphans and their rights as children ‘in need of special protection’ is shifting the terrain of orphanhood at a local level in South Africa, and producing new struggles on the ground. The article argues for careful attention to be paid to conceptual and representational issues by those writing about and responding to childhoods in the context of AIDS.

Orphans of the AIDS epidemic? The extent, nature and circumstances of child-headed households in South Africa.

Abstract There is widespread concern that the number of children living in “child-headed households” is rapidly increasing as a result of AIDS-related adult mortality in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Based on analyses of data from several representative national surveys over the period 2000–2007, this paper examines the extent to which this is the case in South Africa. It explores trends in the number of children living in child-only households and characterises these children relative to children living in households with adults (mixed-generation households). The findings indicate that the proportion of child-only households is relatively small (0.47% in 2006) and does not appear to be increasing. In addition, the vast majority (92.1%) of children resident in child-only households have a living parent. The findings raise critical questions about the circumstances leading to the formation of child-only households and highlight that they cannot for the main part be ascribed to HIV orphaning. Nonetheless, the number of children living in this household form is not insignificant, and their circumstances, when compared with children in mixed-generation households, indicate a range of challenges, including greater economic vulnerability and inadequate service access. We argue that a solitary focus on the HIV epidemic and its related orphaning as the cause of child-only households masks other important issues for consideration in addressing their needs, and risks the development of inappropriate policies, programmes and interventions.

Positive care? HIV and residential care for children in South Africa.

Responses to the HIV epidemic leading to an increase in the number of residential care facilities for children across sub-Saharan Africa have prompted concerns that large numbers of orphaned children are being placed in institutional care. There is little empirical research into the role that institutions are playing in the provision of care to children affected by HIV in the region. This paper draws on an exploratory study of the provision of residential care for children in the context of the HIV epidemic in South Africa. The analysis characterises the population of children in a small sample of residential care facilities in four provinces, and, after identifying a disproportionate number of HIV-positive children in care, examines the circumstances that led to their admission and the nature of HIV-related interventions in the facilities. The analysis reveals missed opportunities for non-institutional placements for HIV-positive children and identifies important gaps in the HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support interventions within the facilities. The article argues that a global and local preoccupation with orphans as being the children most severely affected by HIV, and as the primary category of children requiring alternative care as a result of the HIV epidemic, may have diverted attention away from the extent to which HIV-positive children populate institutions in South Africa. Furthermore, we suggest that adjustments are required to both decision-making regarding placement of HIV-positive children requiring alternative care and the provision of HIV-related interventions in residential facilities in order to ensure an adequate response to childrens health and wellbeing.

Children ‘in need of care’ or in need of cash? Social security in the time of AIDS

Abstract In the face of international pressure and local concern regarding the repercussions of the AIDS epidemic for children in South Africa, as well as the review underway of childrens legislation in the country, there is much debate regarding social security provision for children in the context of HIV/AIDS. To date, the States social security response to the impact of AIDS on children has been to focus its attention on the provision of the Foster Child Grant for orphans. Draft Childrens legislation introduces additional cash grants, some of which similarly target orphans. However, drawing on a combination of primary research and demographic projections, this paper argues against the provision of grants for orphans as a category of children distinct from other children. It argues that, given the pervasiveness of poverty across South Africas child population, a social security system that directs interventions on the basis of childrens orphanhood mistargets crucial resources; is inequitable; is lo...