Children caring for parents with HIV and AIDS: Global issues and policy responses

Description

This ground-breaking book focuses on the experiences and perspectives of children and young people who care for a parent with HIV in the global North and South. Drawing on in-depth qualitative research from the UK and Tanzania, the book presents a unique insight into the similarities and differences in children's and parents' experiences across diverse socio-economic, cultural and welfare contexts. The book makes a significant contribution to the growing research evidence on children and young people with caring responsibilities ('young carers') and the impacts of HIV and AIDS on families globally. It examines caring relationships within families affected by HIV and AIDS; the outcomes of caregiving; children's and families' resilience; the factors influencing whether children become involved in care work; and local and global policy responses. It also provides insight into the perspectives of parents living with HIV and service providers working with families. This book will be of interest to policy makers and practitioners in the field of HIV and AIDS, and to researchers, academics and students concerned with international development, social policy, human geography, childhood and youth studies, social work, health and social care, education, children's services and nursing and palliative care.

Ruth Evans is a Lecturer in Social and Cultural Geography at the University of Reading, England. She has extensive research experience with children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Tanzania and with children and young people experiencing social exclusion in the UK. Saul Becker is Professor of Social Policy and Social Care at the University of Nottingham, England. He has researched and published extensively on young carers in the UK and internationally and is the Director of Young Carers International, a Global Research and Information Network.

"This book represents an important landmark in childhood studies. Tackling issues of stigma and discrimination, through to the challenges of effective service provision, it powerfully reveals the complexities of the problems faced by child-carers and their families." Allison James, Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield"Governments and NGOs must act to provide support to children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS, recognising their special role as young carers. The recommendations in this groundbreaking, cross-cultural study are a good place to start." Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project, United Hospital Fund, New York City