Exploring Family Preservation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The phenomenon of children living outside their family environment is on the increase
in Zimbabwe. Placement of children in residential care is rising despite the call to
adopt a developmental approach. This paper places family preservation within the
developmental approach as its framework. The article advocates the mainstreaming
of cultural practices as a best practice for family preservation among others. The
researcher recommends that social workers should try to introduce functional family
clubs to promote parenting skills and eliminate child abuse. There is a need to increase
awareness about fostering the six-tier system of the National Orphan Care Policy.