This report prepared for the Namibian Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW) assesses the existing framework for foster care in the light of the realities of Namibian foster care in practice. Based on information about foster care frameworks and guardianship legislation in other countries, recommendations are provided for new approaches to foster care and foster care grants which could be incorporated into Namibia’s forthcoming Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA).
The assessment of the existing framework for foster care in Namibia is carried out in close cooperation with the Directorate of Child Welfare Services of the MGECW and based on focus group discussions and key informant interviews at national and regional level. The assessment shows that Namibia is putting much energy into addressing the issue of the growing group of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the care of people who are not their biological parents. The MGECW has established a grants system and has set a target to provide support to 50% of the OVC in 2010.
