Chonrabuddhanon S, Noi-In S; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. WePeD6559.

Foundation Chief, Yasothon, Thailand

Issue: Increase in HIV/AIDS affected orphans has rendered increasing social burdens to the Thai society. Economical and traditionally adaptable models for caring them are essential. Suthasinee Foundation has developed one such applicable model for orphans in Yasothon Province, Thailand. Description: Suthasinee Foundation has been caring for HIV/AIDS affected orphans since 1997. Constrained by limited financial and human resources as 5 staffs had to care for over 240 orphans, they chose to demonstrate how to lead actual ways of life taking into consideration local culture and tradition and encourage children to follow. Orphans were provided with "home of affection" environment as well as encouraged them to care for friends while in institutional compound. Staffs also work closely with orphans' home communities. With increasing knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, their relatives started taking orphans back to their custody. Since program started, 207 children have been placed with thier relatives leaving only 33 children under institutional care of the foundation. With good examples and affections given to all, they have demonstrated to be highly self-reliant compared to children raised in ordinary manner. They become highly socialized, possessed good sense of responsibilities and were helpful to friends. Elder children were responsible for younger ones, treating each other appropriately and maintaining good order in their living areas. Lessons learned: Apart from following up well being of children returned to their relatives, children to staff ratio stands at 7:1. This ratio could be expanded to 10:1 while general in-country orphanages stood at 2:1. Community placement of children might take varied period for each given individual children. Recommendations: The Suthasinee Foundation model has proofed to work well in Yasothorn province. It is economical, culturally and traditionally appropriate for the Northeastern Region of Thailand.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Caregivers
• Child
• Child Welfare
• Empathy
• Family
• Foster Home Care
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Orphanages
• Research
• Thailand

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0040258

UI: 102284474

From Meeting Abstracts