Coping Mechanisms of Child-Headed Households The Experience of Eight Households Supported by Medium Ethiopia National Association
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Date
2009-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
With the increasing number of orphan children, many children are left without parental care and
support and lead their life in Child-Headed Households (CHHs) (ACPF, 2008). Available studies
on CBBs indicated the economic, social and emotional challenges that the children are facing for
several socio-economic factors, and for the fact that they are living alone without adult care
(ACPF, 2008; Chizororo, 2007) This exploratory case study research is undertaken with major
objective to understand the coping mechanisms used by CHHs to cope with the economic, social
and emotional needs. In-depth interviews with eight child-heads and eight children living in CHHs,
focus group discussion with child heads, and key informant interviews with five informants were
conducted. The findings of the study indicated that child heads and other older children in the
participated CHHs are burdened with adult responsibilities to fulfill the needs of their household;
and they use different approach to organize themselves 'vvithin their household to cope with their
needs. Though there are SUPPOItS the households gain from their social networks having roles in
their coping mechanisms, the form and extent of support that the households are gaining vary
depending on several factors.
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Coping Mechanisms of Child-Headed Households