Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was conducted as an inquiry into the living conditions of children living with terminally ill parents due to HIV and AIDS. It examined possible support systems that such children can access from general communities in which they live. The study was also purposed to identify specific needs related to the fact of living with terminally ill parents due to HIV and AIDS. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed in conducting the study. These included interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. Social workers, class teachers and parents were the main respondents in the study. The study revealed that children living with terminally ill parents suffer multidimensional effects that are social, economic and psychological. Children assume adult responsibilities at a very early stage including that of fending for the family. In an effort to meet family needs, older children resort to a host of activities in an attempt to earn money for self and family survival from temporary paid labor, sex work to rudimentary trade. In effect, children become prone to abuse, exploitation and are exposed to crime. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie was gedoen om inligting te verkry oor die lewensstandard van kinders wat saam met hul ouers woon wat terminal siek is weens MIV/VIGS. Die beskikbare ondersteunings sisteme in hul gemeenskap was ondersoek. Die novorsingsstudie het ook daarop gefokus om die kinders wat as gevolg van MIV/VIGS saam met hul terminale siek ouers woon se spesifieke behoettes te identifiseer. Tydens die norsingsstudie was kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetodes gevolg. Onderhoud focus groep besprekings en vraelyste was benut. Maatsplike werkers, onderwysers en terminal siek ouers was die hoof respondenete in die navorsingdstudie. Die navorsingsstudie het bewys dat kinders wat saam met hul terminale siek ouers woon, multidimensionele gevolge ervaar waat sosiaal-ekonomies en psigologies van aard is. Kinders neem ouers se verantwoordelikhede op „n vroeë ouderdom aan. Om vir die gesin te voorsien, gaan die ouer kinders tot die ekstreem en raak betrokke in seks werk en smous vir „n tydelike inkomste. Die gevolg is dat die kinders blootgestel word aan mishandeling, en moontlike misdaad. Die addisionele verantwoordlikhede dwing hulle om te oorleef deur gebruik te maak van misdaad, prostitusie en kinderarbeid. Al die kondisies dra by daartoe dat kinders blootgestel word.