This Situation Analysis Report is one of a series of three documents: (1) Report on the Situation of Orphans and Vulnerable and Children and Youth in the SADC Region; (2) Conceptual Framework for Psychosocial Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youth in the SADC Region; and (3) Minimum Package of Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youth in the SADC Region. The Situation Analysis Report has informed the development of the PSS Framework and the Minimum Package of Services.

The alternative care assessment examines the current social welfare systems and processes rather than on the specific quality of care in the various children’s homes as standards have already been developed.

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.

Through an examination of over 800 thematic drawings and stories, regarding ‘moving house’, produced by children aged 10–17 years in urban and rural communities of Lesotho and Malawi, this paper explores southern African children’s representations of migration.

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 situational analysis of policy and care surrounding children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho. Includes a comprehensive, practice-oriented discussion of alternatives to residential care, placement procedures and standards of residential care.

This paper is a comprehensive examination of cash transfers in Africa and their impact on children. Case studies from Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique and Lesotho are discussed.

A description of a multi-level intervention in rural Lestho aimed to improve the livelihood security of vulnerable households by improving home gardening, increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS, and influencing policy. By focusing on rural livelihoods and economic empowerment the program had some success in raising awareness and strengthening resilience to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

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.