The foster care awareness programme as an intervention strategy for grandmother-headed families: a case study Diepsloot

Abstract

The foster care awareness programme (FCAP) plays a critical role in strengthening the foster caregivers’ understanding of how to support vulnerable children. The activities of the programme support grandparents to be effective and efficient caregivers. The goal of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and challenges of grandmother foster parents in relation to the FCAP as an intervention strategy. The findings of the study show that the FCAP benefitted the grandmother-headed families. They learnt from the group activities and from one another. They acquired communication skills and learnt how to better discipline their children, build strong family values, and manage the household’s budget. The recommendations emphasise the need to incorporate foster children in group activities for joint learning. Combined group activities for foster children and parents are recommended. The Department of Social Development is encouraged to utilise group and community work methods to strengthen families and communities.