A case study exploring filial therapy as a means to fostering healthier relationships between children and caregivers in a residential care centre

M.Ed.The care of AIDS orphans is of growing global concern. In South Africa, the sheer placement of these children presents as a systemic challenge with factors such as weakened extended family networks and current socio-economic conditions necessitating the need for the identification of a range of alternative placement options. Residential care centre placement, according to research, is found to be the least favourable placement outcome for orphans. Caregivers in these centres often lack the required skills and training and are beleaguered with the physical and emotional demands of their work, resulting in inadequate care with even the basic physical needs of these children being largely unmet. Beset with recurring sickness and poor health the physical needs of the child are a priority, with the emotional needs of these children being largely negated. To date there is a paucity of research in South Africa regarding the emotional care of orphans. As such the rationale behind this research inquiry was to explore the fostering of healthier relationships between caregivers and orphans utilising filial therapy as a therapeutic intervention. For the purpose of this research study a qualitative approach was used and a case study design employed to determine the efficacy of filial therapy as a means to fostering healthier relationships between caregivers and orphans in a residential care centre. According to Guerney (1966, in Landreth, 2005) this relationship is a critical factor and positive behavioural or symptomatic changes result from the changed parent-child relationship advocated in filial therapy as opposed to specific problem-focused strategies. Unlike many parent training models, this is both a therapeutic intervention as well as a preventative approach (Garza, Watts & Kinsworthy, 2007). Data was collected through interviews with the caregiver, observations from site visits and play sessions and documentation such as a reflective journal and checklists, which was then analysed and interpreted through a process of coding to produce meaningful units of information. These units were further delineated to produce categories, themes and sub- themes. Themes identified in this research study pertain to relationships between caregiver and child and the efficacy of filial therapy. Findings from this inquiry suggest not only the need for further skills training for caregivers but interventions targeting the emotional needs of children in residential care centres