Abstract
Literature often presents street children from the deficit viewpoint because of their vulnerability. Their resilience is unnoticed since they are considered to be children in need of care and protection. However, street children have the ability to negotiate life’s trajectories and are considerably resilient. The purpose of this study was to explore the development of resilience among former street children while they lived on the streets, while in residential care and since leaving care. This qualitative study, purposively sampled nine participants, three females and six males, between the ages of 19 and 29 years, who were former residents of Kids Haven, a Child and Youth Care Centre based in Benoni, Gauteng. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with two face-to-face interviews per participant to clearly understand their experiences and how they attach meaning to those experiences. This was followed by a focus group with the same participants to understand the gist of collected data and validate themes. Grounded theory methods were used to analyse the data and to deeply understand former street children’s resiliencies as they transitioned through each of the three stages. Twelve social processes emerged that former street children engaged in while on the street, in residential care and beyond care to emerge resilient and transition successfully. On the street the four social processes were the acceptance of life as it is, searching for useful resources for survival, flocking as a collective response to adversity and reflective learning and life lessons. These contributed to ensuring that former street children navigated their way to achieve success. Purposeful relationships mobilization, assuming responsibilities and searching for opportunities are the three social processes emerging as resilience enablers to former street children while in care. Since leaving care, former street children engaged in embracing appreciation, embracing acts of kindness, motivation to achieve success, living in faith and support networks, the five social processes promoting resilience.
M.A. (Social Work)