Health and Environmental Challenges Experienced by Foster Parents in the Rural Areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province

Mokadi Cathrine Ramonyai; Mokoko Percy Kekana

doi:10.25159/2708-9355/18964

Authors

Mokadi Cathrine Ramonyai University of Limpopo
Mokoko Percy Kekana University of Limpopo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3484-0967

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/18964

Keywords:

foster child, foster parent, significant others, environmental challenges, health challenges, psychological distress

Abstract

The health and environmental challenges faced in foster care compromise the quality of care provided to foster children. Research on the health and environmental challenges in foster care often overlooks the difficulties faced by foster parents in rural areas. This study therefore explored these challenges in the Capricorn District of Limpopo province to better understand how they affect foster parents’ roles, responsibilities, and well-being. The study adopted a qualitative, phenomenological research design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with 14 foster parents. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that foster parents experience health challenges, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are exacerbated by their parental responsibilities toward foster children. The study also found high levels of psychological distress among the foster parents due to financial instability, lack of support from significant others, and behavioural problems related to the foster child. Environmental challenges, such as a lack of sufficient water and inadequate accommodation within foster homes, were also found to be a major issue. The health and environmental challenges faced by foster parents were found to affect the quality of care and protection they provided to foster children. Their limited coping skills were ineffective in addressing these challenges.

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