Abstract
Young people in care (YPIC) come from backgrounds of loss, separation, neglect and abuse
and they have faced adversity emanating from family structures and sometimes perpetrated
by the same people who are supposed to be protecting them. As such, their attachment
systems have been disrupted and a myriad of psycho-emotional problems ensue.
Attachments and belonging are critical to normal social, psychological and emotional
development of children; hence the South African welfare system requires the
implementation of the Circle of Courage (CoC) in CYCCs. Attachments form in close
relationships, and children are capable of re-establishing attachments with new and
sensitive caregivers, but history has taught most of them to be wary of close relationships
for their own safety.
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of child and youth care workers
(CYCWs) in developing attachments and belonging for children in child and youth care
centres (CYCCs). The findings of this study points out that the task before CYCWs is a
challenging one. They indicated that their hope is to produce individuals who are law-abiding
citizens who can thrive on their own and also transfer good child care practices to break the
circle of abuse. However, first encounters between YPIC and CYCWs were reported to be
hostile and characterized by outright rejection and anxiety on the part of the YP coming into
care.
The CYCWs who participated in this study indicated that they understood the concept of
belonging and attachment in terms of the CoC and also Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. They
also indicated that they understood it as a strong bond between them, a working relationship,
or a comfort zone. They normally try to create a welcoming environment for YPIC, provide
physical contact or touch, meet their physiological needs, explain circumstances that
brought them together and verbalize their love to YPIC. They indicated that these simple
acts help to build bridges between CYCWs and YPIC and create bonds and connections
that make it possible for them to relate responsively and sensitively to each other.
M.A. (Clinical Social Work)