Abstract

In the face of increasing number of orphans in Southern Africa, local community-based orphan programs are being considered as important conduits for social integration of orphaned and vulnerable children. The purpose of this study was to ascertain social and behavioral characteristics of foster parents that promote relationships with orphaned and vulnerable children. Focus group discussions were conducted with 30 foster parents drawn purposively from Chimanimani District of Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe to qualitatively explore their expectations. Results of the study showed that the majority of foster parents in the community based initiative were middle-aged women. Criteria considered important by foster parents selection were the individual’s social standing, common experience with orphans, ability to inculcate life skills to orphans and responsiveness of the foster parent. The results point to the need to involve local institutions in the selection of appropriate foster parents for sustainable orphans-foster parent relationships. 

Key words: Foster parents, orphans, community-based initiatives, qualitative