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Orphanage caregivers' perceptions of children's emotional needs

Author

Listed:
  • Bettmann, Joanna E.
  • Mortensen, Jamie M.
  • Akuoko, Kofi O.

Abstract

Problems in orphan care are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa where 80% of all children orphaned by AIDS live. Institutions are often the only level of care available for infant orphans, but such care may increase children's risk for psychological, emotional and developmental problems. This study explores Ghanaian institutional caregivers' views of children's emotional and relational needs with the aim of understanding these caregivers' capacities to provide effective care for orphans. Qualitative data was gathered from 92 staff at eight Ghanaian orphanages. Results indicate that while caregivers describe a basic understanding of children's emotional and interpersonal needs, they detail a lack of training and support necessary to fully attend to these needs. Specifically, training for caregivers regarding children's basic attachment needs and the particular emotional needs of orphaned children is critical. The present study suggests the need for training and interventions to strengthen orphanage caregivers' capacity to provide effective orphan care.

Suggested Citation

  • Bettmann, Joanna E. & Mortensen, Jamie M. & Akuoko, Kofi O., 2015. "Orphanage caregivers' perceptions of children's emotional needs," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 71-79.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:49:y:2015:i:c:p:71-79
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.01.003
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Abdullah, Alhassan & Cudjoe, Ebenezer & Manful, Esmeranda, 2018. "Barriers to childcare in Children's Homes in Ghana: Caregivers' solutions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 450-456.
    2. Sutinah, & Aminah, Siti, 2018. "Child abuse and neglect in orphanages in EAST JAVA Province (Study on forms of child abuse, anticipatory efforts developed children and the role of the orphanage)," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 24-29.
    3. Darkwah, Ernest & Daniel, Marguerite & Asumeng, Maxwell, 2016. "Caregiver perceptions of children in their care and motivations for the care work in children's homes in Ghana: Children of God or children of white men?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 161-169.
    4. Kari Vik (KV) & Vickfarajaeli Zebedayo Daudi (VZD) & Lusajo Joel Kajula (LJK) & Rolf Rohde (RR) & Omary Said Ubuguyu (OSU) & Joseph Ndukusi Saibulu (JNS), 2018. "Infancy and Caring," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 30(1), pages 105-125, March.
    5. Rohta, Sonam, 2021. "Institutional care for the vulnerable children in India: The perspective of institutional caregivers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    6. Elena Valerievna Golubeva & Irina Valerievna Golubeva, 2015. "Deformations in Economic Consciousness of Children Raised in Orphanages," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(3), pages 21582440156, September.

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