Perceptions of the roles and responsabilities of caregivers in children’s homes in South Africa

Abstract

The study investigated the perceptions that caregivers working at children’s homes have regarding their roles/responsibilities. The aim was to obtain insight into their subjective experiences and realities. This qualitative study was guided by the interpretive paradigm and included eleven caregivers. Focus group discussions, group collage and semi‑structured interviews served as data collection methods. The caregivers perceived their roles/responsibilities as including the provision of food, shelter and protective environment; also catering to the children’s emotional and health requirements. Caregivers viewed their work environment as child‑focused and expressed the need to be acknowledged as professionals and to be empowered with more training.