Young Carers
Previous research has reported that orphaned children are more likely to have mental health problems and educational deficits, and are more likely to contract HIV as adolescents. However, we lack evidence to show whether AIDS orphans experience greater hardship than other orphans and, importantly, what the outcomes are for children who are caring for their AIDS-afflicted parents. These ‘Young Carers’ are also potentially high-risk for problems relating to mental, physical, and sexual health, as well as education-related difficulties. This study is part of the National Action Committee for Children Affected by AIDS programme. The South African government and partner NGOs are using the findings of this study to develop policy and interventions.
Partners:
South Africa Departments of Social Development, Health, Basic Education, and Agriculture
Read more about the Young Carers study here.
