Child-Headed Households & Community Social Networks in South Africa

There is an increase in the numbers of children who look after themselves below the age of 18 in the sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa such type of household are growing rapidly. From the 9 provinces in the country; Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo have the highest rate of child-headed households. Various factors have contributed to the development of child-headed household which include death of parents due to HIV/AIDS pandemic, weakening of extended family circles, poverty, car accidents, social unrest and migration. Many children are left without adult support which results in the formation of child-headed household. This book covers child-headed household and community social networks as well as dynamics and implications for social work intervention with the use of qualitative research method. The data was specifically drawn from Hoksburg area through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. An analysis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions yields that child-headed household in Hoksburg area face various most challenging social, economic, psychological and mental problems affecting their livelihoods.