Hidden Young Carers: the Experiences, Needs and Resilience of Children Caring for Parents and Relatives with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania and the United Kingdom, 2006

<P>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</P><br>This cross-national study investigates the experiences, needs and resilience of children and young people caring for parents or relatives with HIV/AIDS (‘young carers’) in Tanzania and the UK. This study explores similarities and differences in the experiences of this hidden group of young carers.<br>
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The study aimed to understand children’s everyday experiences of unpaid care work in families affected by HIV/AIDS; the push and pull factors influencing whether and why they take on care-giving tasks; the outcomes for children and families; the factors that can reduce children’s vulnerability to negative outcomes and promote their ‘resilience’; caring relationships within families; and how young carers can best be supported in terms of policy and social welfare practice.<br>
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The study's child-focused methodology acknowledged children’s active roles in constructing their caring roles and the social determinants which influence these. Ninety-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with children and young people with caring responsibilities, parents/relatives with HIV and service providers supporting the families in Tanzania and the UK. Participatory methods were also used with the children, including drawings, written diaries and photographs.<br>
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Further information on the study is available from the <a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/ViewAwardPage.aspx?awardnumber=RES-000-22-1732" title="Hidden Young Carers ESRC award page">ESRC's award page</a>.<br>
<br><br><B>Main Topics</B>:<BR><br>Children's and young people's everyday experiences of caring for a parent/relative with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania and the UK; resilience of children and young people and impacts of young caregiving and HIV/AIDS on individual children, the family, school and wider community in Tanzania and the UK; children's and parents'/relatives' experiences of Non-Governmental Orginisation (NGO) services and professional support in Tanzania and the UK; service providers' experiences of effective practices in supporting children caring for parents/relatives with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania and the UK; needs and requirements for support of young carers and their families.<br>
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