Experiences and challenges related to residential care and the expression of cultural identity of adolescent boys at a Child and Youth Care Centre (cycc) in Johannesburg

Abstract

Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) play a significant role in accommodating children who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment in South Africa. However, professionals in these settings face a dilemma, as they often cannot accommodate every child’s cultural needs. This study explored the cultural challenges experienced by adolescent boys living at a CYCC in Ekurhuleni. Findings indicate that CYCCs are doing an excellent job at ensuring a nurturing environment for the children. However, it also emerged that there are challenges related to preserving the culture of children as a result of constraints of resources and limited staff diversity.