Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
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PARENTS’ EXPERIENCES OF PARENTING AN ADOLESCENT ABUSING SUBSTANCES
Get PDFAdolescent substance abuse is one of the social and public health concerns that appears to influence parenting, but little is known about the parents’ experiences of parenting adolescents who are abusing substances. An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach was employed with in-depth interviews to explore the parents’ experiences of parenting adolescents abusing substances. Thematically analysed data produced three themes: parenting my way, perceived barriers and facilitating factors. Authoritarian, authoritative and permissive parenting styles were discussed to create a supportive environment to enhance parents’ coping strategies. This work contributes to existing knowledge on parents dealing with adolescent substance abuse by providing strategies to enhance parenting
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES: DO WE HAVE TIME FOR THIS?
Get PDFSouth Africa is experiencing a high incidence of child abuse and neglect. The care and protection of children require of social workers to deliver child protection services including compiling reports for Children’s Court hearings. This paper focuses on how the Family Assessment for Least Developed Countries (FA-LDC) instrument can be used as evidenced-based practice to assist social workers in statutory investigations. Findings indicate that this instrument directed information gathering more effectively for the finalisation of investigations. The paper concludes by indicating how the utilisation of assessment instruments can assist social workers in dealing with high caseload
The Handbook of Social Work and Social Development in Africa
Get PDFThe Handbook of Social Work and Social Development in Africa, edited by Mel Gray, confirms my view on innovation and development and, for the first time, offers a storehouse of information on social work and social development in Africa
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DIVORCE AMONG YOUNG COUPLES IN LEBOWAKGOMO
Get PDFThe overall aim of this study was to explore factors that contribute towards divorce among young couples in Lebowakgomo. In conducting the study the researchers used the qualitative method and a case study design. Snowball sampling was used in this study. Eleven participants were thus identified and recruited. The sample size was based on the principle of saturation. The researchers used semi-structured interviews to collect data. Interpretative phenomenological data analysis was employed. The study found that sudden character change, lack of and poor communication, financial problems, abuse and infidelity were associated with divorce among young couples
POVERTY ALLEVIATION, SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COOPERATIVES: VOICES OF WOMEN RESIDING IN BHAMBAYI, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
Get PDFThis is one of a series of articles which endeavours to advance empirical data in the field of social protection policy and feminisation of poverty. Using participatory action methodology, the author presents evidence from 24 women who implemented three community development cooperatives spearheaded by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Community Outreach and Research Organisation. Within the framework of social justice, and asset-based and sustainable livelihoods, the author presents their biographical profiles and discusses two themes; intrapersonal challenges, and power and group relations, which were perceived as obstacles to the sustainability of the projects. This article concludes by presenting considerations for enhancing the sustainability of economic development cooperative
THE AFTERCARE NEEDS OF NYAOPE USERS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR AFTERCARE AND REINTEGRATION SERVICES
Get PDFNyaope is a relatively new drug on the South African market and mostly (mis)used by youths. Without targeted intervention, this drug could negatively affect the wellbeing of the people involved. Aftercare and reintegration services are often downplayed, with little emphasis in both research and practice. This article reports on the aftercare needs of nyaope users from both the users’ and the significant others’ points of view in Hammanskraal (a South African township). A collective case study was implemented through semi-structured interviews with both nyaope users and significant others. Recommendations are offered to role players involved in aftercare and reintegration services
CAREGIVER BURDEN AS DEPICTED BY FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Get PDFA significant number of people live with some or other form of impairment. These people often need someone to take care of them, the practice being known as caregiving. It is usually family members who assume the role of caregiver and they often experience the caregiver burden. The goal of this study was to explore and describe the caregiver burden as experienced by family caregivers of persons with physical disabilities. A qualitative study of an explorative descriptive nature was undertaken. Seven themes were identified regarding the caregiver burden, and relevant conclusions were drawn and recommendations mad
LET’S TALK ABOUT DIVORCE - MEN’S EXPERIENCES, CHALLENGES, COPING RESOURCES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK SUPPORT
Get PDFThere is a lacuna in the body of knowledge, from social work specifically, on the topic of men and divorce. This prompted the researchers to embark on a qualitative research journey with the aim of exploring men’s experiences of divorce, the challenges they faced and their coping strategies, and to gather suggestions for social work support. This paper reports the findings and conclusions based on the interviews conducted with 12 divorced men. In addition, recommendations are put forward
Editorial
Get PDFThe success of social welfare intervention services depends on the implementation of strategies geared towards the development of human potential and the capacity of communities. These services are rendered at different levels of intervention for diverse target groups and have specific outcomes in mind. Against this background, the articles presented in this issue of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk include the response of social work at different levels of intervention to the needs of target groups such as women, families, parents, children, offenders and caregivers
BURNOUT AND ENGAGEMENT IN FOURTH-YEAR SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS: WHY WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED
Get PDFThis article focuses on levels of burnout as well as engagement experienced by fourth-year undergraduate social work students attending a South African university. By means of quantitative procedures, data were obtained from 43 final-year social work students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Respondents presented with above-average levels of exhaustion, professional efficacy, vigour, dedication and absorption, and below average levels of cynicism. Non-parametric procedures revealed significant differences in the levels of burnout related to population group, place of origin and household income status. Recommendations focus on monitoring the wellbeing of students and mobilising support for students who appear more vulnerable to burnout and low academic engagement