Approaches for psychosocial support towards orphans and vulnerable children by community-based workers in the Vhembe district, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION

The orphan and vulnerable children crisis has raised the need for alternative solutions to their problems. These new alternatives gave prominence to the growth of community-based organisations and their interventions. Community-based interventions are a crucial component of the response to ensure that the demands of orphans and vulnerable children are mitigated as they offer initial support and act as well-being nets.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory-descriptive and contextual design was used to explore possible approaches to psychosocial support for orphans and vulnerable childen from community-based workers. This study was conducted in four municipalities in the Vhembe district: Thulamela, Makhado, Collins Chabane, and Musina. The population consisted of community-based workers working with vulnerable and orphaned children in the Vhembe district. Data were collected in focus group discussions with the community-based workers using a focus group discussion guide with open-ended questions. The data were analysed according to Tesch's open analysis guide to analyse qualitative data. The measures to ensure trustworthiness included transferability, conformability, credibility, and dependability.

RESULTS

Data analysis generated the following theme and subthemes: Psychosocial interventions provided included Physical support, educational support, psycho-educational support, activities and socialisation, caregivers support and involvement and inter-professional referral.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide an insight into the types of psychosocial support interventions provided by Community-based organisations to orphans and vulnerable children. Conversely, the study also revealed that community-based organisations are experiencing challenges when delivering those services to orphans and vulnerable children.