The following criteria are used to identify vulnerable households in the communities in which we work:

• There is at least one orphan under the age of 18 living in the household, or
• The biological parent(s) have abandoned the child(ren) (their whereabouts being unknown), or
• The parents/caregiver is terminally ill, or
• The caregiver/parent is physically, mentally or emotionally incapable of providing appropriate care to the child(ren)

AND

• The household income is inadequate to meet the basic needs of the child(ren), or
• The care given by the parent/caregiver is inappropriate (i.e. there is physical, sexual, emotional or economic abuse, neglect and/or exploitation), or
• The child(ren) displays emotional and behavioural difficulties that necessitate support.

Once identified as vulnerable in terms of these criteria, households are supported via a structured system of household intervention that is designed to systematically address their basic material, physical, cognitive and emotional needs and move them from a state of vulnerability to increased stability and self-reliance within a two to three year period. With this “movement” of households through the system, Thandanani is able to redirect its existing capacity and resources to support new households as families become self-reliant and exit the system. This phased model of household support and development is outlined in the table below: