Loss, grief and bereavement: The experiences of children in kinship foster care

Abstract

There seems to be a paucity of research on the grief and psychological trauma experienced by children in foster care who have been orphaned by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This article is based on collaborative research conducted by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Wits Department of Social Work. Among the questions posed was whether organisations supporting foster families and children do assist the children to come to terms with the grief and trauma of losing their parents. From the main findings it was clear that needs and expectations in terms of emotional support and guidance were not adequately addressed.