Living experience of children living in kinship care in Vietnam

Abstract

In the context of urbanization and rapid change of economic conditions over the past two decades, in Viet Nam, traditional family structures and family cohesion have been impacted by a variety of external contexts. Multi-generational families are replaced by nuclear families and traditional values are eroded. The number of children without parental care is increasing. According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs’s report from the localities, most of the children without parental care are in kinship care. This research responds to the lack of empirical knowledge about the kinship care in Viet Nam. Currently, there is no research on this issue in Vietnam. Through the research aims to reflect the perspectives of children under 16 years old who are in kinship care, their kinship caregivers, and local social welfare officers. This study employs qualitative method with semi-structured interviews and participant observations. These interviews were guided by the research questions and the review of previous research. The children were encouraged to engage in a narrative about their experience of living in kinship care. Through the study, some recommendations have been made based on the current situation of the children. Training courses for the children and their caregivers should be provided frequently. Financial and technical guidance and support that facilitate them to earn extra income for their living need to be developed through appropriate community based services. Various donors such as the Vietnam-based United Nations Organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sectors should be mobilized to engage in the kinship care support process.