Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
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GOVERNMENT AND NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS: DYSFUNCTIONAL STRUCTURES AND RELATIONSHIPS AFFECTING CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES
Get PDFThis article is based on a qualitative descriptive study of the child protection system after 1994. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior social workers in management positions in the Department of Social Development and non-profit organisations in three provinces. The main focus of the article is on the structure, functioning and resourcing of child protection services in post-apartheid South Africa. Key findings of the study include the lack of an over-arching strategy for child protection services, the dysfunctional relationship between government and the non-profit sector, and inadequate resourcing
FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS: YOUNG ADULTS’ RECOLLECTIONS OF EXPOSURE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING CHILDHOOD
Get PDFExposure to domestic violence during childhood impacts on the child’s overall development in a way that affects functioning in adulthood (cf. Rzepka, 2007:2; Bogeanu, 2012). This article seeks to describe the recollections of young adults who were exposed to domestic violence, so as to develop an understanding of what is needed to develop effective services to child victims of domestic violence. The description is based on a qualitative research study that confirmed a lack of services to children exposed to domestic violence. The participants described the influence on their childhood and on their current lives, and made suggestions for social work servicesMs Danelia Warnick, Social worker; Department of Social Development and former master’s student in the Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Afric
RISK-LADEN WORKING LIVES OF CHILD PROTECTION SOCIAL WORKERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Get PDFThis study reports on the findings of semi-structured interviews with ten social workersemployed by designated child protection organisations in Gauteng, South Africa to explore their lived experiences of workplace risks and subsequent negative outcomes. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews yielded risk factors embedded in the socio-ecological model, namely intrapersonal (personality traits and the dichotomy of human vs. professionalism); interpersonal (unsupportive supervisors; lack of co-operation among professionals); institutional (challenges unique to child protection social work); community (unrealistic expectations from communities); societal / public policy (lack of funding and resources, political interference). A discussion follows and the way forward is deliberate
“HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NOTHING”: THE RISKS AND RESILIENCE OF DAY LABOURERS IN CAPE TOWN
Get PDFPeople are seen as resilient when they respond better than expected in the face of adversity. The aim of the article is to provide a description of the risks the unemployed day labourers waiting at a street corner in Cape Town experience daily and the resilience they display. An ethnographic approach was used to gather data. The results show that day labourers experience difficulties related to insufficient and irregular income to care for those dependent on them, friction between local and foreign day labourers, and uncertain working conditions. Hope of obtaining employment to look after their families and caring individuals and groups enhance their resilience
PROMOTING SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES’ EMPLOYMENT THROUGH THE SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM: EMPLOYERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE EMPLOYABILITY OF UNISA’S NEWLY QUALIFIED SOCIAL WORKERS
Get PDFThe silence about employers’ perspectives on the employability of newly qualified Social Work graduates from the largest open distance-learning university in South Africa was highlighted as the problem for this study. Underpinned by the theory of collaborative advantage as the theoretical framework adopted for this study, and following a qualitative research approach, the researcher entered into a research partnership with the social work fraternity. The aim was to explore employers’ perspectives on the employability of Unisa’s newly-qualified social workers and to gather suggestions for promoting graduates’ employment, and accordingly informing Unisa’s social work curriculum. This paper reports on these perspectives and suggestions
THE NEEDS OF CAREGIVERS IN PRIVATE PLACES OF TEMPORARY CARE IN SOUTH AFRICA
No full textDIE BEHOEFTES VAN KINDERVERSORGERS IN PRIVAAT PLEKKE VAN TYDELIKE VERSORGING IN SUID-AFRIKAThis article focuses on the needs of child caregivers when a child in need of care and protection is placed in private places of temporary care. In order to act in the best interest of these children very high expectations and demands are placed on the child caregiver. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with child caregivers. Their greatest need was for training so that they could gain more knowledge and insight in dealing with these children. There was also a need to be part of the team approach. Support from all the relevant roleplayers, especially social workers, would contribute to successful placement of the child
HURT OR HELP? UNDERSTANDING INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL NORMS AS PRACTISED IN RURAL AREAS
Get PDFIntimate partner violence (IPV) poses a serious threat to the welfare of women. IPV against women has aroused intense interest amongst policymakers, practitioners and researchers. Despite this development, IPV against women remains rife but there is still a dearth of research on the linkages between IPV and social norms. This study is a critical review of the literature on IPV and social norms as well as its impact on social work practice and policy. The authors argue that social norms can either promote or prevent IPV intervention and therefore propose an integrated approach to addressing IPV against women
SUGGESTIONS BY HOME-BASED CAREGIVERS CARING FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS ON HOW SOCIAL WORKERS COULD SUPPORT THEM IN MANAGING THEIR WORK-RELATED CHALLENGES
Get PDFA lacuna in the indigenous social work literature on how home-based caregivers caring for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) would like to be supported by social workers in their caregiving duties led to the launching of a qualitative investigation. This investigation was conducted in South Africa to look into (i) the challenges experienced by caregivers in exercising their duties of caring for PLWHA, (ii) how they manage such challenges, and (iii) suggestions on how social workers can support them. This article presents findings specifically pertaining to suggestions made by the caregivers on how social workers can support them.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS: HOW ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER EXPERIENCE IN-PATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FOR STIMULANT USE DISORDER
Get PDFDual diagnosis has become a topic of interest in recent years. In South Africa individuals diagnosed with dual diagnosis are left without adequate services as a result of the separation of substance abuse and mental health treatment services. Through a phenomenological study the authors aimed to explore how adults diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and stimulant use disorder experienced treatment at treatment centres. Considered from a bio-psychosocial perspective, the findings give insight into service users’ living world with a dual diagnosis, their experiences, their unique needs for treatment and requirements to maintain abstinence. Recommendations for social work services at treatment centres are offered
A THEORY-BASED SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMME FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS IN THE TSHWANE SOUTH DISTRICT, GAUTENG PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Get PDFThere is a lack of theory-driven and evidence-based school violence prevention programmes targeting high school learners. In line with a developmental social work approach within a framework of stakeholder participation and empowerment, the Think Smart-Take Charge-Turn a New Leaf programme was designed and implemented e. Following a one-group pre-test/post-test survey design, a focus group interview with eight Grade 11 learners to obtain information on their experiences and their opinions about the outcomes of the programme was conducted. This pilot evaluation determined that the programme effectively enhanced student knowledge and positively influenced attitudes towards violence, but did not appear to change behaviour