Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
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THE NATURE OF FAMILY REUNIFICATION SERVICES IN THE GAUTENG PROVINCE
Full text linkPlacement of children in alternative care is supposed to be a temporary and not a permanent arrangement. In the absence of a family reunification model in South Africa, most children stay for longer periods in alternative care than necessary. This article concludes that family reunification services should be holistic in order to be effective, which is possible in the framework of a developmental approach
THE PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF FAMILIES DEALING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR HOLISTIC EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAMMES
Full text linkNeglecting the significant role played by family members in the post-rehabilitation trajectory of substance abusers can pose a significant challenge in supporting intervention programmes in the workplace. This paper reports on a small-scale qualitative investigation that used focus group interviews with family members to explore their perceptions and experiences of being confronted with family members with substance use disorders. The findings are presented through three themes: 1) emotional burden; 2) coping and avoidance strategies; and 3) support needs of family members. Recommendations highlight how employee assistance programmes can provide a comprehensive suite of holistic support systems
Editorial
Full text linkThis edition of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk offers a range of themes to the reader, with topics focusing on income-generating activities, homelessness, gangsterism, substance abuse, effective parenting, sexual orientation, community development practitioner profiling and supervision of social workers
EXPERIENCE-BASED LESSONS FROM MALES IN THE NORTHERN AREAS OF PORT ELIZABETH (GQEBERHA) ON FACTORS THAT PROTECTED THEM FROM BECOMING INVOLVED IN GANGSTERISM
Full text linkDespite the widespread prevalence of gangsterism and the predominantly male membership of gangs, some males residing and growing up in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), where gangsterism is so widespread, have never been involved in gangs. A qualitative study, explorative, descriptive and contextual in design, using semi-structured interviews as data-collection method, explored and described the experience-based lessons from selected males on factors that have protected them from gang involvement. Findings included family support, faith or religion, positive role models, education, participation in wholesome pursuits and involvement in sports as being amongst the factors that prevented participants against involvement in gang activities. Strategies to strengthen these protective factors and utilise them to design relevant programmes and interventions should now be investigated
EXPERIENCES OF SERVICE-USER VIOLENCE AND COPING STRATEGIES EMPLOYED DURING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE DELIVERY: SUGGESTIONS FOR ENSURING SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSONAL SAFETY
Full text linkWorkplace violence or incidents where social workers are abused, threatened or assaulted by service users in executing the duties related to their work is acknowledged as a serious concern and an occupational hazard in many countries. This type of violence directly and indirectly challenges social workers’ safety, health and wellbeing. In this article, emanating from a qualitative research project, 14 South African social workers’ experiences of service-user violence and their coping strategies employed during social work service delivery are reported, and suggestions for ensuring social workers’ personal safety are put forward
BUILDING A COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH AN INVOLUNTARY PARENT IN CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Full text linkBuilding a collaborative relationship with an involuntary parent is challenging; however, the worker-client relationship is essential to promoting the wellbeing of the child and family. This article describes a small-scale qualitative study conducted with child protective workers in one region of Estonia. Findings indicate that in order to encourage involuntary parents to participate, it was crucial to learn what was provoking their resistance. Recognition was used to establish a collaborative relationship with involuntary parents. To reduce the unequal distribution of power, the parent was recognised as an equal partner and negative feelings were validated and understood as a normal reaction to intervention
CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY CAREGIVERS CARING FOR ABANDONED INFANTS AND TODDLERS IN INSTITUTIONAL CARE
Full text linkChildhood trauma continues to be a silent epidemic in South Africa. Institutional childcare centres do not have sufficient funding or resources to render daily therapeutic services for abandoned children. The first line of professional care for these children encompasses their daily interactions and relationships formed with the centre caregivers. This article advances a greater understanding of the views, perceptions and experiences of caregivers caring for abandoned infants and toddlers living in institutional care, on the basis of information obtained from 15 participants interviewed through semi-structured interviews in this qualitative study. Understanding their views, perceptions and experiences provides vital information to develop social work practices
Editorial Letter
No full textThis is the first edition of SW/MW published by a new editorial team, who has to following in the inestimable footsteps of Prof Sulina Green and Ms Hester Uys, the former editor and business manager of the journal respectively. Their contributions towards the body of social work knowledge in South Africa and beyond are evident from the fact that under their leadership, the journal was transformed into an open access journal, was awarded a Scopes accreditation, and is ranked in the top 50 social work journals in the world, as listed by the Scimago journal ranking
SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORKS FOR YOUTHS AGING OUT OF RESIDENTIAL CARE TO PROMOTE POSITIVE TRANSITION OUTCOMES – A SCOPING REVIEW
Full text linkThis scoping review provides the available evidence on support interventions and networks for youths aging out of child and youth care centres (CYCCs), and makes recommendations for best practice to alleviate the plight of youths leaving CYCCs. Thirteen databases were searched, resulting in the retrieval of 80 articles, 26 of which met the review criteria: English, full-text, peer-reviewed, open-access studies conducted between 2015 and 2020 on social networks and transitional services to youths aging out of residential care. Recommendations are made for policy changes, extending the age of eligibility and strengthening social support networks for youths transitioning into independent living
TOWARDS THE CREATION OF A DEVELOPMENTAL WELFARE STATE IN ZIMBABWE: AN INSIDE PERSPECTIVE ON THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Full text linkIn June 2020 the government of Zimbabwe issued a statement of intent towards embracing a developmental social welfare approach by changing the name of the Department of Social Welfare to the Department of Social Development. This has been a long-awaited move in the indigenisation of Zimbabwe’s social welfare services. However, despite such a strong and progressive commitment by the government, there is no clear framework on how the Department of Social Development plans to implement developmental social welfare services in Zimbabwe. It is this concern that we address as we take an ‘inside perspective’ on the work of the Department of Social Development towards explicating current programmes and services, and examine available information on how the Department intends to reorientate Zimbabwe’s social welfare system. We then offer recommendations that can be used by the DSD towards the creation of a developmental welfare state in Zimbabwe