Household Economic Strengthening

Poverty is a leading cause of child separation. Families may be torn apart by the stresses of trying to provide for their basic needs, and children may be abandoned or exploited for financial purposes. Household economic strengthening aims to reduce a family’s vulnerability to poverty, increase economic independence, and improve people’s ability to provide for their children.

Economic strengthening alone will not prevent separation or protect children, and should form part of a comprehensive support package, including psychosocial work, community mobilisation, education, health, and family support. Household economic strengthening should also complement the wider government social assistance programmes, welfare sector initiatives, and child care policies. Beneficiaries should include those families which are destitute, poor, or vulnerable to poverty, including child headed households.

Economic empowerment is not possible without the active participation of the community in ensuring that those most in need are identified and that families are willing to commit to projects. Any initiative must have sustainability at its core; there must be a market demand for products and services, and activities should build on the existing strengths and resources of the community.

Household economic strengthening includes activities which help a family restore, improve and maintain their income, and build savings and assets. Projects may consist of relief assistance, grants and loans for income generating activities, technical and skills training, registered credit and savings associations, and legal advice on inheritance and property rights. Ideally such guidance and resources should come from specialised local organisations that can facilitate market research, identify those in need and the type of assistance required, and provide sustainable long-term support to beneficiaries.

The literature contained in this section offers recommendations and examples of household economic strengthening projects which support the protection of children.

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Child Protection: Children Without Parental Care

UNICEF, 2004

A brief fact sheet on the multilevel support needs of children without parental care. Includes a brief section on statistical data and examples of UNICEF action in several countries around the world.

An Initiative Supporting the Basic Income and Needs of HIV/AIDS Affected Households and Individuals (SIMBA)

Anuj Jain, 2004

This paper outlines a program (SIMBA) established to work with local AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) in Zimbabwe to promote economic development in HIV/AIDS affected communities. Efforts to promote capacitiy building of organizations, self-managed and savings-based microfinance services, and basic business management training are described.

Linking Safety Nets, Social Protection, and Poverty Reduction: Directions for Africa

Michelle Adato, Akhter Ahmed, and Francie Lund, 2004

A short discussion of various safety net program options and considerations for effective program design. Focus on reducing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa

Challenges Faced By Households in Caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Kerry Vermaak, Nqobile Mavimbela, Jane Chege, and Eka Esu-Williams, 2004

Outlines key findings of survey conducted to investigate the challenges faced by households caring for OVC in South Africa. Conclusion delineates six potential responses to community needs.

National Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children Policy of Uganda

Uganda Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, 31 Dec 2003

This document is the official policy governing National Orphans and OVC of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) of the Republic of Uganda. The policy interprets a vision of a society where all orphans and other vulnerable children live to their full potential, where their rights and aspirations are fulfilled.

Child Welfare Reform Projects and Initiatives

Alexandra Posarac and John Innes, 31 Dec 2003

Provides a brief overview of child welfare reforms implemented in the ECA Region and the collective effort to move away from over-emphasis on institutional care through the Changing Minds, Policies and Lives Project.

The Reach of the South African Child Support Grant: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal

Anne Case, Victoria Hosegood, and Frances Lund , 2003

This research paper evaluates the impact of the Child Support Grant in South Africa. It finds that while there exists a strong commitment to implementation, the presence of a child’s mother is an important factor in program participation.

Working with Children in Unstable Situations: Principles and Concepts to Guide Psychosocial Responses

UNICEF, 2003

Discusses the psychosocial impacts of unstable situations on children and their families, with an emphasis on child development. Includes UNICEF’s position on policy and programming principles as well as strategies to address the psychosocial needs of children, families, and communities.

Grandmothers and Granddaughters: Old-Age Pensions and Intrahousehold Allocation in South Africa

Esther Duflo , 2003

This research paper discussed the impact of the South African old-age pension program, or cash transfer, on the health of children living with an eligible recipient. It finds that both gender of the recipient and gender of the child living with the recipient are factors in health outcomes.

Children "In Need of Care" or In Need of Cash?: Questioning Social Security Provisions for Orphans in the Context of the South African AIDS Pandemic

Helen Meintjes, Sonja Giese, Debbie Budlender and Leigh Johnson, 2003

Research study of the current social security provisions for orphans in South Africa, with a comparison of four alternative cash grant scenarios. Recommends a universal income support system for all children in need.