Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of teenagers residing in a place of
care in Zimbabwe. Their experiences provided insight into their physical, social and
emotional well-being whilst staying in the care facility. An explorative qualitative research
approach was adopted which is holistic in nature and interprets the experiences of people.
The researcher applied an interpretive phenomenological design which provided a
description of the children’s experiences. The ecological perspective formed the
theoretical framework that underpinned the study.
Children admitted at the place of care formed the target population for the study and a
sample of ten teenagers who have been in the place of care for a period of six months up
to three years formed the research participants. The participants were selected using the
non-probability sampling method utilizing the purposive sampling technique. Through the
use of non-probability sampling, the odds of selecting a particular individual were limited
since the researcher did not know the population. The study made use of semi structured
one-to-one interviews as the data collection method and the collected data was analyzed
utilizing the coding manual process.
Different themes were identified which formed the main findings of the study. The study
found that children in places of care have both positive and negative experiences.
However, the majority of the participants were reported to have more negative
experiences than the positive ones. The study noted negative experiences as emanating
from physical abuse by care givers and peers, peer bullying, negative relationships with
care givers, missing their parents, stigmatization and the lack of some basic needs whilst
in care. A small number reported having good experiences but they have witnessed some
of their peers being subjected to negative experiences. According to them, they had not
been exposed to bad treatment from the care givers and peers but were only affected
when there were no adequate resources to use.
An in-depth discussion on how the research objectives were met and the summary of
findings based on what was said by the participants, what the reviewed literature stated,
as well as conclusions drawn in this study is provided at the end of the dissertation.
Recommendations for the profession and for future research in the same field are also
provided which is an imperative way of enhancing the Child Welfare profession, as well...
M.A. (Community Development)