Thesis (M.S.) -- Central Connecticut State University, 2006. / Thesis advisor: Cynthia Pope. "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in International Studies." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 86-90). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia Southern University, 2007. / "A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts." In Social Science, under the direction of Nancy Malcom. ETD. Electronic version approved: December 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-66) and appendices.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of St Andrews, March 2008.

The changing structures of families and the increase in numbers of child-headed families are progressively becoming noticeable both nationally and internationally. Due to the number of families and parents being affected by HIV/Aids, a growing number of children in South Africa are left without parents who can provide them with basic needs and emotional care and support. As a result older siblings become caregivers to the younger siblings, as extended family are no longer, due to straining social-economic circumstances, able to take these orphans under their care. In order for the silent voices of adolescent learners from child-headed families in the Northern Free States to be heard, the inquiry aimed at determining what their lived experiences are. In doing so the information may enable educational psychologists to support Site Based Support Teams and schools to enhance their care and supportive strategies to the benefit of learners from child-headed families. By means of an interpretivist qualitative inquiry, descriptions of these adolescent learners intentions, beliefs and meaning making were obtained. The data collection methods included questionnaires completed by twenty-seven learners from child-headed families, focus group discussions with two groups of learners from different township schools, as well as an interview with one group of teachers. By making use of collages a group of six learners visually portrayed their lives after which descriptions were provided. The data was then worked by means of content analysis in order to determine the common themes and sub-themes describing the learners’ lived experiences. The findings suggested that these learners are governed by values and principles informing responsible and respectful ways of interacting with their environments. Although their physiological needs and physical surroundings are threatening to their well-being, their social support networks as well as personal attributes are protective structures, which strengthen their resilience and aspirations for the future. Some of the recommendations discussed included the development of community support centres in order to support learners from child-headed families with after-school care for their younger siblings, meals and recreational activities. Community forums would need to prioritise the safety of their neighbourhoods in order for all children to feel appreciated and safe in their environments. School Based Support Teams will need to be trained in counselling skills and especially in bereavement counselling. A well co-ordinated, multi-system support strategy will need to be developed and implemented by concerned Non-Governmental Organizations and relevant State Departments in order to enhance the care and support of learners form child-headed families within the South African context. / Prof. J. Pillay

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Additional advisors: Gypsy Abbott, Lois M. Christensen, Lynn D. Kirkland, Maryann Manning. Description based on contents viewed Feb. 6, 2008; title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 101-104).

M.A. (Community Development) / The statistics on HIV/Aids in this study overwhelm the imagination. It has great social and economical consequences for individuals, families and communities. The generation of between 15-24 years are vulnerable to infection especially women. From the population of about 46 million in South Africa, 5.7 million were HIV positive by the end of 2007 with about 1000 deaths every day. Sub-Saharan Africa appeared to be the most hit by this tragedy as indicated by statistics in this study. When parents die of Aids, the burden of orphaned children is left with relatives and extended families to look after those children. The number of orphans is escalating due to increasing death rate of parents. A detailed discussion on the extended families which includes their origin, roles they play as well as challenges they face in caring for orphaned children is included as well. Challenges include having to deal with grief and changing behaviour of the orphaned children. The goal of this study was to conduct an analysis of extended families affected by HIV/Aids taking care of orphans, living in the Kyasands informal settlement in order to improve service delivery. The main objectives of the study included exploring the needs of these extended families caring for orphaned children in terms of social, emotional and material aspects as well as challenges they face and how they manage to survive. A qualitative method was used in conducting this study with the use of semi-structured interviews to collect information. The main central question asked was, how do you manage to live with an additional member within your family. The main findings in this study were reported which included the strength and composition of assets and the extended families’ resources to make a living and adjust to shocks of life. Family was seen as the most trusted asset in this study by the respondents. Just to mention a few, most of the families owned shacks, battery operated radios and televisions since they live in formal settlement without any permanent infrastructures.

Thesis (MSD (Play therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MA(Psychology))-University of Pretoria, 2006. / Abstract in English. Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (MSW(Social Work))-University of Pretoria, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MA(Science of Religion and Missiology)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 129-133)