Being an alternative caregiver: caring for children who have experienced trauma

Abstract

Alternative caregivers play a vital role in South Africa’s alternative care system, providing care to maltreated children removed from their primary families. This qualitative descriptive exploratory study explored the experiences of 15 alternative caregivers of children who have experienced interpersonal trauma. Four themes emerged: (1) navigating the pervasive impact of trauma, (2) adopting a unique parenting approach, (3) experiencing secondary trauma, and (4) establishing your own “village” support. Findings highlight the need for caregivers to develop essential skills and access support to meet children’s complex needs and manage secondary trauma, particularly within an under-capacitated child welfare system.