Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk

SOCIAL WORKERS’ VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LEGISLATION THAT GUIDES SERVICE DELIVERY TO CHILD-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS

2024-09-10T09:43:29+00:00

The National Plan of Action (Department of Social Development, 2021) identified child-headed households (CHHs) as an increasing social problem in South Africa. Section 150 of the Children’s Act, 38 of 2005 (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 2005), and the Children’s Amendment Act, 41 of 2007 (RSA, 2007), consider children living in CHHs as children in need of care and protection, and give guidelines on services to these households. Currently, there is no certainty about the successful implementation of these guidelines to address the needs of this target group. This study, therefore, used a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews with social workers to investigate their views on applying section 137 of Children’s Amendment Act, 41 of 2007 (RSA, 2007). This study found that there were gaps to address in the social work services provided to CHHs and the implementation of the Act. Some of the main recommendations included continued training and research on the implementation of the Act.

STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONNECTEDNESS IN FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS: KEY EXPERTS’ AND PRACTITIONERS’ EXPERIENCES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PARENTING PROGRAMMES

2024-09-10T09:51:20+00:00

Parenting enhancement contributes to the development of positive child behaviour and strengthening of family connectedness. This qualitative study explores the experiences of 10 experts (social workers, child and youth care workers, and researchers) in the field of parenting through semi-structured interviews to strengthen family connectedness in families with children with behavioural problems (FCBPs). Using Tesch’s qualitative analysis, three main themes emerged: (a) barriers to family connectedness, (b) parenting styles, and (c) parenting programmes in strengthening family connectedness. The findings of the study highlight the barriers experienced by experts and the lack of evidence-based parenting programmes in the strengthening of family connectedness in FCBPs in rural areas in South Africa. The study therefore recommends that practitioners in the field of parenting should receive specialised parenting training on how to strengthen family connectedness in FCBPs.

ENHANCING CHILDREN’S SAFETY AND WELLBEING: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF A NEW SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMME IN FREE STATE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

2024-09-10T10:02:51+00:00

In response to the pervasive violence affecting children's psychosocial wellbeing in South Africa, the Adopt-a-School Foundation introduced the Thari programme, targeting behavioural challenges that manifest in gangs, substance abuse and classroom disruptions. This article presents findings from a pilot project in Botshabelo, Free State, where gangsterism, academic struggles and social issues prevailed. The main study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design (qualitative/quantitative), but this article reports only on a part of the qualitative data from group and individual interviews that explored participants' perspectives. The study focused on children's behavioural challenges and observed school changes during implementation of the Thari programme. Results show a notable reduction in gangsterism and psychosocial issues, leading to decreased disruptive behaviour among children and highlighting improved behaviour after the introduction of psychosocial services.

PREPARATION OF INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED AND/OR AUTISTIC YOUNG PEOPLE FOR LEAVING CARE IN SOUTH AFRICA

2024-09-10T10:06:30+00:00

Research on the transition of intellectually disabled and/or autistic care-leavers is still in its infancy globally and there have been no studies on this population in South Africa. This article, therefore, aims to illuminate the experiences of this overlooked group in South Africa, with a focus on how well they are prepared for the transition from residential childcare facilities to young adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight intellectually disabled and/or autistic young people who were about to disengage from Child and Youth Care Centres in the Cape Peninsula, and their caregivers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: person-centred planning for care-leaving; opportunities for extended care and gradual exits from care; support for interdependent living aftercare; and addressing loss and anxiety related to moving on during the transition. The study highlights implications for policy and practice, including the need for a clear policy framework to support aftercare provision and improvements in care-leaving preparation with a stronger focus on interdependence.

CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS EXPERIENCED BY YOUTHS LEAVING THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM IN TSHWANE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, GAUTENG PROVINCE

2024-09-10T10:11:13+00:00

In the Republic of South Africa care-leavers are faced with numerous challenges after being discharged in terms of the provisions of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, Section 175 (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 2006). The aim of this study was to explore the challenges and barriers experienced by youths leaving the foster care system in South Africa. The researcher adopted a qualitative research approach to achieve the aim of this study. The findings revealed that youths leaving the foster care system are faced with social challenges, including a lack of communication with their foster parents or caregivers, little cooperation from parents or caregivers, few re-unification services, a lack of housing, and disconnection from other foster children. In addition, youths leaving care experience financial challenges such as unemployment and the abuse of the foster child grant by their foster parents. They also experience educational challenges, with many dropping out of school. Furthermore, youths leaving care face sexual challenges, including sexual abuse, prostitution and teenage pregnancy. For these reasons it is crucial for policymakers, social workers and all social service practitioners to work together to deliver a more expansive safety net for youths leaving care, and to address the fundamental challenges they face.

THE EFFECT OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME ON THE RESILIENCE OF FEMALE ADOLESCENT RECIPIENTS IN JOHANNESBURG

2024-09-10T10:14:54+00:00

The Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust (RFJM Trust) provides scholarships to deserving female secondary school learners in Johannesburg and offers a pilot multidisciplinary psychosocial support programme (MPSP) developed by a social worker to enhance their resilience and to facilitate the achievement of their potential. South African female adolescents are challenged daily by their social, economic, cultural, political and historical environments, which in combination threaten their development and functioning. Therefore, female adolescents require high levels of resilience to thrive. Through the pre-test/post-test measurement of the individual, relational and contextual protective resources of Grade 8 recipients of the RFJM Trust, a paired-samples t–test and correlation analysis determined that two aspects of the MPSP have moderate to large correlations with resilience. This quantitative, quasi-experimental, evaluative study will assist in improving the MPSP and contribute towards evidence-based practice in school social work.

THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF DISPLACED AFRICAN SINGLE MOTHERS IN THE AFTERMATH OF FLOODS IN KWAZULU-NATAL

2024-09-10T10:22:42+00:00

In April 2022, heavy rainfall and flooding took place in most areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The floods left a trail of destruction, grief and displacement for the most vulnerable social groups. The condition of African single mothers was of particular concern because of the multiple disadvantages they already face. Based on a qualitative study conducted with 30 displaced single mothers who were purposively selected, the article explores the lived experiences of displaced African single mothers in the aftermath of the KwaZulu-Natal floods. The findings revealed that although temporary shelters were provided for their safety, African single mothers were subjected to various forms of secondary trauma, which aggravated their vulnerability. This suggested a need for psychosocial interventions and a comprehensive emergency plan for single mothers during natural disasters. Based on the strengths perspective, the article recommends intensive social work interventions and strategic resource management amongst community stakeholders and political leaders to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of support.

POLICYMAKING IN FAVOUR OF WOMEN: LEARNING FROM THE GENDERED IMPACT OF COVID-19, WITH A FOCUS ON SOUTH AFRICA

2024-09-10T10:30:19+00:00

Realisation of women’s full participation in all spheres of society remains inconsistent and progress towards gender equality is slow. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare existing and deeply entrenched gender inequalities. In this article, we draw on multiple HSRC-led studies conducted between 2020 and 2022 that explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the psychosocial and economic wellbeing of women and their families. We show that many women at the community and household level took up the majority share of unpaid household and childcare duties, and faced persistent socio-economic threats, gender-based violence and increased mental health concerns compared to their male counterparts – all of which impeded their ability to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Insights are offered for intersectional gender-responsive policy responses that favour women as central role players in families and the economy.

POPULATION AGEING AND THE CHALLENGES FACED BY OLDER PERSONS IN LESOTHO

2024-09-10T10:43:55+00:00

The decline in inter-generational solidarity as a result of socio-structural processes such as modernisation, globalisation and migration have made older persons in many African countries increasingly vulnerable. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by older persons in Lesotho and how to address them. The study adopted a qualitative approach, while snowball and purposive sampling were employed to recruit older persons and social workers, respectively, for the study. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Poverty, food insecurity and ageism were found to be the major challenges faced by the older persons. Although eligible older persons receive old age pensions or public assistance, these are not effective in addressing poverty. Social workers should embrace the developmental approach, which involves advocacy, the implementation of income-generating projects, building assets for the poor, and productive employment to create opportunities for the long-term social security for older persons.

IN THE TRENCHES: A FINANCIAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE PERSPECTIVE ON THE PERSISTENT LEGACY OF POVERTY IN THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT OF SOUTH AFRICA

2024-09-10T10:48:18+00:00

Widespread socio-economic challenges such as high levels of poverty and unemployment continue to plague South Africa. Owing to the nature of social work service delivery, social workers often serve the most vulnerable populations. However, it seems that social workers remain metaphorically in the trenches in the war on poverty, meaning that tangible evidence on the progress of poverty alleviation due to the direct involvement of social workers is meagre in social development. This article argues for the integration of a financial social work practice perspective into South African social work service delivery as a potential means of facilitating more efficient social development. The article is conceptual in nature and draws on the principles of theoretical adaptation. It posits social developmental theory as the dominant theoretical paradigm, and financial social work as the practice perspective. Analysis will highlight the current gaps in social developmental practice, and the appropriateness of financial social work to address it. The discussion aims to activate scholarly discourse on financial social work in South Africa and beyond, and to firmly position this practice perspective within sustainable social development.

CO-BUILDING INCLUSIVE SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2024-09-10T08:50:39+00:00

The demands made by a rapidly changing society are embodied in persistent issues such as inequality, poverty, hunger, conflict and displacements, all exacerbated by climate change and its impacts. This reflects a world in crisis. Social work, committed to social justice and human rights for all, is at the forefront of social transformation. The International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) strives to enhance the visibility of social work as a global actor in building an inclusive, just, peaceful and sustainable society. Realising this vision requires multi-level partnerships at the international, regional and local levels, facilitated by social work educators and practitioners, in collaboration with marginalised individuals and communities who are disproportionally affected by social and economic exclusion and environmental injustices.

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK

2024-09-10T10:55:35+00:00

Introduction to Social Work (2nd Edition) is a valuable resource for students, educators and practitioners in the field of social work. The editors' extensive expertise and diverse research interests make the book both informative and engaging, offering users a well-rounded view of the theory and practice of social work. Whether the user is new to the field or seeking to deepen their knowledge, this book provides essential insights into the complexities and benefits of the profession.