INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD CARE IN URBAN SOUTH AFRICA

2006) A significant portion of the criminal activity in Hillbrow is conducted by minors.
(Mpete, 2000) Children are also highly susceptible to physical attacks and abuse. Over
half of the children living on the streets of Hillbrow have reported being threatened with
weapons, physically or verbally attacked, or sexually assaulted in order to commit crimes
involving theft or drugs. They have also shown a greater likelihood to develop addictions,
or to become manipulated by gang leaders or pimps. (Boyer, 2008)
Mental Health and Developmental Effects
Perhaps the most recent lens through which OVC have been represented in
research is that of mental health. There has been no shortage of research conducted to
conclude that OVC in South Africa face numerous mental health challenges as a result of
their orphanhood or vulnerability. Children of deceased parents must face the direct
impact of grief and bereavement. (Rotheram-Borus, 2005) Resultantly, children must
then face the further development years without the emotional support and guidance
ascribed to the now vacant parental roles. (Cluver, 2011) Other stresses come from the
economic and environmental challenges of survival that a child must face, which are
further magnified when the wellness and survival of a younger sibling also is at stake.
(Cluver, Gardner, & Operario, 2009) For children whose parents have not passed away
but are still affected by sickness, there is an added stress stemming from the uncertainty
of parental survival.
A series of cross-sectional studies have identified that OVC in South Africa face
higher psychological distress than children growing up in traditional family settings.
These include higher scores of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. (Cluver,
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