Country level evaluation of contributing factors to the establishment of an alternative care system.

This report, prepared for UNICEF East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) assesses capacity of Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia to manage alternative care systems for children. 

This study sought to assess, analyse and inform the different forms of vulnerabilities affecting children and youth, and their effects and existing strategies and programmes addressing the challenges and vulnerabilities facing orphans, vulnerable children and youth (OVCY) in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. The study also sought to propose recommendations for improvement, and development of minimum standards for OVCY and the finalisation of the SADC OVCY Strategic Framework.

Reviews legal and policy frameworks for the protection of OVC rights in 10 Southern African countries. Includes key concerns and recommendations. Appendix includes country-specific details of National Policies on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and National Plans of Action.

A study that looks at the response of faith-based organizations in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Uganda. The report contains statistical information, and details positive care practices to build on, and negative examples to avoid.

Discusses the interplay between informal and formal safety net mechanisms in supporting orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Includes recommendations for strengthening traditional family and community safety nets weakened by the epidemic.