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This thirteen-month study, commencing in April 2006, is the first cross-national research enquiry to investigate the experiences, needs and resilience of children and young people caring for parents or relatives with HIV/AIDS (‘young carers’) in Tanzania and the UK. The research will explore the similarities and differences in the experiences of this hidden group of young carers.

It aims to develop an understanding of children’s everyday experiences of unpaid care work in families affected by HIV/AIDS; the push and pull factors influencing whether and why they take on care-giving tasks; the outcomes for children and families; the factors that can reduce children’s vulnerability to negative outcomes and promote their ‘resilience’; caring relationships within families; and how young carers can best be supported in terms of policy and social welfare practice. The child-focused methodology acknowledges children’s active roles in constructing their caring roles and the social determinants which influence these. The experiences of young carers, parents/relatives and key professionals will be explored using in-depth interviews and participatory methods with children.

The study builds on Prof Becker’s pioneering and long-standing research on young carers in the UK and Dr Evans’ research on children and families’ resilience in relation to HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

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