Strengthening Family
and Community Care
for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
in Sub-Saharan Africa
Text-only Version
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Family and Community Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Children Grow Best in Families Children who are cared for by families within communities are more likely to thrive than those in institutions. Children growing up in families generally receive more consistent care, develop better social and emotional relationships, and form a stronger self-image. They absorb the patterns and values of their culture and develop the language, customs, and skills they will need in their adult lives. Community-Based Responses Strengthen Families The best way to serve vulnerable children is to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to care for them. Extended family members and caregivers in the community who are willing to take in children in need often lack the means to do so. Community-based organizations address this by providing households with support to meet the material, educational, and emotional needs of children. These local solutions are more cost-effective than orphanages, making it possible to support many more children. The programs and strategies vary as each community determines the form of assistance that best meets the needs of its population.
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| In the complex puzzle posed by HIV/AIDS there are no easy answers. The critical question we must ask is, “What is in the best interests of the child?” Children need to be protected from neglect, abuse, and deprivation of their basic needs. They require loving and consistent care, access to health services, good nutrition, an education, and interaction with local community life, no matter where they live. | ||
Grassroots Solutions Involve Community Members and Local Resources
Most community-based organizations have lean budgets and limited, if any, paid staff. Volunteers are often the backbone of grassroots efforts. As local people work side by side to address the impact of HIV/AIDS, they involve others, inspire community ownership, and build community strength. Community responses vary in their size and maturity and in the scope and scale of their services. They can include community-based organizations with voluntary membership, local non-governmental organizations employing paid staff, and religious groups and networks.
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