The Phenomenological experiences of children in foster care. A case study of children in foster care in Chitungwiza
- Author
- Museve, Polite R.
- Title
- The Phenomenological experiences of children in foster care. A case study of children in foster care in Chitungwiza
- Abstract
- The research under study was done in Chitungwiza. The permission was given by the Department of Social Welfare as responsible authorities. The main objective of the study was to identify the resources and support systems that are available to children in residential child care facilities in Chitungwiza. The study was guided by literature from global, regional and local authorities. Bronfenbrenner`s ecological systems theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interactions between children in foster care and their environment and how these complex relationships affect development over time. The study used qualitative research approach and the phenomenological research design was also utilized to understand the phenomenological experiences of children in residential childcare facilities. The sample consists of 12 children aged 10-18 years and 2 key informants who provides specialized knowledge and expertise in their field, by providing valuable insights and perspectives on the phenomenological experiences of children in foster care. Purposive sampling was used to choose participants who are expected to have direct experiences related to the lived experiences of children in foster care. In order to generate data key informants interviews and focus group discussions with primary participants was used. Data collected was analysed using thematic analysis method and the data was put into codes and themes generated from the research objectives and questions. The study found out that children in residential childcare facilities in Chitungwiza faces myriads of challenges these includes often experience emotional and social, physical and mental, financial and educational challenges that impact their psychological wellbeing. To address these challenges, various stakeholders, including policymakers, child welfare agencies and advocacy groups, have implemented a range of strategies aimed at improving the foster care system and protecting foster children. The purpose of residential child care facilities is to deliver high-quality services to children in need, fostering healing, growth, and a hopeful future. Research indicates that foster children in residential care in Chitungwiza benefit from resources and support from the government and various organizations. The researcher went on to recommend policy change to be employed in the foster care system and children`s outcomes. Social workers could facilitate support groups for foster parents to discuss challenges and share strategies for improving their relationships with foster children. Social workers to offer counseling services to foster children and foster parents to help them cope with and overcome the challenges they face while living in foster care. The study concluded that the research was written to respond to the research questions. It brought to light the phenomenological experiences of children in residential childcare facilities in Chitungwiza.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Foster Care
- Phenomenological Experiences
- Supervisor
- Mr. Sadomba
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
-
Museve, Polite R..pdf