Residential child care in practice

Experiences and Challenges Related to Residential Care and the Expression of Cultural Identity of Adolescent Boys at a Child and Youth Care Centre (Cycc) in Johannesburg

“…According to Smith, Fulcher and Doran (2013), CYCCs have a long history and are found in many countries worldwide. Children's homes were established in response to social problems that were brought on by the process of urbanisation and industrialisation, where children were seen to be particularly vulnerable to the effects brought about by those changes (Pinkerton & Muhangi, 2009;Smith et al, 2013).…”

“…Children's homes were established in response to social problems that were brought on by the process of urbanisation and industrialisation, where children were seen to be particularly vulnerable to the effects brought about by those changes (Pinkerton & Muhangi, 2009;Smith et al, 2013). It is further argued by Smith et al (2013) that parents moved from one place to another in search of opportunities, for example, work and educational opportunities, and these movements had profound effects on children and young people since most of them were left behind when their parents and care-givers moved around in search of opportunities (Adams, 2012;Smith et al, 2013).…”

“…However, in the process many children were left behind, while some were neglected and abused by extended family members (Richter & Dawes, 2008;Schmid, 2006). To close that gap, there were philanthropists who cared for those children who were in need of care and protection by ensuring they had food and shelter, and that their other basic needs were being met while their parents were away (Smith et al, 2013). They did that out of a humane concern for their welfare.…”

“…This therefore prompted a group of psychologists, social workers, community developers, pastors and counsellors to think of having all the neglected children in a family-like setting, where they would be cared for, monitored and groomed, and where they would have someone to look after them regularly (Smith et al, 2013). This led to the development and founding of residential facilities for children and youths (Smith et al, 2013).…”

“…This led to the development and founding of residential facilities for children and youths (Smith et al, 2013). A significant number of children were placed in such settings as a result of the continued effects of urbanisation and modernisation (Richter & Dawes, 2008).…”