Welfare policy and the family in post-apartheid South Africa: Care for orphans and vulnerable children in the context of HIV/AIDS and widespread poverty in Kopanong Municipality, Free State

Despite the lack of evidence, a huge body of literature continues to suggest that there is a crisis of care for children who are orphaned by AIDS. Based on a study of Kopanong Municipality in Free State, this study investigated extended family care for orphans and other vulnerable children in the context of ubiquitous poverty and the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. It asked whether the application of current welfare policies recognises or facilitates extended family care for orphans. The care for orphans has been conceptualised in terms of the lack of adequate number of members of extended family who would provide care for orphans and the quality of care which orphans receive from their carers. To address questions of care for orphans and implications for welfare policies, this study employed both quantitative and qualitative research techniques to gather information on the prevalence of orphans, their living conditions, and types of care and support available, available welfare services and access thereto