Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
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NGOs IN SPAIN AND SOUTH AFRICA: IN THE LINE OF TWO FIRES
Get PDFChanges in the social and economic landscape for NGOs are distinctly recognised in Spain and South Africa as a result of comparable formative and historical social welfare provision. NGOs in both countries are under siege, operating in the line of two fires, namely the global financial crisis, and the implementation and advancement of a neoliberal agenda. The need for a renewal of identity, activism, collaboration and partnership as well as an alignment of their roles in civil society with their visions, missions and core values is suggested towards ensuring the survival of NGOs
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING DURING THE INITIAL PHASE OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION WITH CHILD CLIENTS IN A RURAL AREA
Get PDFEstablishing a helping relationship between child clients and social workers is essential to the successful outcome of social work intervention. This research qualitatively explored, with a case study design through semi-structured interviewing, the experiences of social workers and child clients regarding their initial contact-making in a rural Boland area. The themes that emerged concerned the rationale for relationship building, contextual factors, barriers to relationship building and the importance of the social worker’s professional attributes. Lastly, a pattern emerged regarding engagement of a child client during the initial session.
JAPANESE MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN HISTORICAL CONTEXT: WHY DID JAPAN BECOME A COUNTRY WITH SO MANY PSYCHIATRIC CARE BEDS?
Get PDFMental health care has been shifting from psychiatric institutions towards community-based settings for the last 40 years in most countries. However, Japan still has a very high ratio of psychiatric care beds per capita, and the average length of stay in psychiatric institutions is nearly 300 days. By examining the history of Japanese mental health care, this paper analyses the reasons why it has been heavily dependent on hospital-based care, and why Japan still relies on it to this day. The roles of psychiatric social workers, who promote the rehabilitation of people with mental disorders, is also presented in the conclusio
THE DESIGN OF A PROTOCOL FOR ASSESSING PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Get PDFThis paper reports on the development of a contextually appropriate protocol in social work for the assessment of prospective foster parents in South Africa. The protocol was designed in two stages using Thomas’s developmental research process and participatory action research methodologies. First, we designed a model of the competencies of effective foster families (determining “what” constitutes a good foster parent and developing a model of the “ideal” foster parents). Second, we designed and developed an assessment protocol with which to assess prospective foster families (specifying “how” one determines if foster parents meet the model’s criteria of the ideal foster parents)
THE SOCIAL FUNCTIONING OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LIFE WORLD: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE
Get PDFBreast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women worldwide (CANSA, 2010). The goal of this study was to explore the social functioning of women with breast cancer. A qualitative research approach was followed with a collective case study research design. In this study non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select participants. One of the themes generated was the impact of breast cancer on social functioning in the context of the life world. This theme includes changes in personality; feeling like a woman; changes in spiritual aspects; and self-image. Research showed that there were mainly positive changes experienced.
FIELD INSTRUCTION: IS THE HEART OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION STILL BEATING IN THE EASTERN CAPE?
Get PDFThis paper presents part of the findings that emerged from a recent research project entitled “A qualitative evaluation of social work field instruction being offered by universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.” Field instruction is the heart of social work training. This key component of social work training has been placed under increasing pressure in the Eastern Cape. The findings presented in this paper highlight the strengths and weaknesses of field instruction programmes as well as the constraints facing universities in the Eastern Cape. In conclusion, it was found that the heart of social work education is, indeed, still beating strongly in the Eastern Cape
OUR BROTHERS’ KEEPERS: SIBLINGS ABUSING CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES LIVING WITH NON-USING SIBLINGS
Get PDFNon-using siblings are adversely affected by the substance abuse and related behaviour of their brothers and sisters. This article allows greater understanding of the plight of non-using siblings obtained from 28 participants interviewed in this qualitative study. Findings reflect the relationships, feelings, challenges and coping strategies of the participants as well as their perceptions of the role of social workers in assisting the chemical substance abuser. Strategies are suggested for social work policy and practice to treat chemical substance abuse holistically
PARENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF TEMPERAMENT AND PREFERENCE FUNCTIONS OF THEIR CHILDREN
Get PDFDespite support for the existence and clinical importance of temperament differences in children, the phenomenon is not well understood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children aged 9–15 years. The data analysis before intervention revealed that none of the parents participating in this study identified temperament as a possible variable that influenced their child’s behaviour. Children then completed the prototype temperament sorter. Parents received verbal feedback regarding their children’s temperament and preference functions. Interviews were again conducted. The parents changed their focus and became more aware of the child’s nature and started to validate the child’s unique being
THE ROLE OF MINDFULNESS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIFE SATISFACTION AND SPIRITUAL WELLBEING AMONGST THE ELDERLY
Get PDFA non-experimental research design was used to investigate the role of mindfulness in the relationship between life satisfaction and spiritual wellbeing amongst elderly residents (N=122) from two retirement villages in Bloemfontein. A biographical questionnaire, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire (SWBQ), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were utilised. This study yielded a statistically significant relationship between mindfulness, life satisfaction and spiritual wellbeing. Mindfulness was also a moderator in the relationship between life satisfaction and spiritual wellbeing. These findings can inform social work interventions aimed at optimising life satisfaction and spiritual wellbeing amongst the elderly
LEARNING PROFILES OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS: WHO ARE YOU AND HOW SHOULD THIS INFLUENCE MY TEACHING?
Get PDFThis qualitative study explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) of social work students on notions of students’ learning profile. Data were obtained from both student and staff participants on third year level within the social work programme during the teaching of a particular module focusing on family wellbeing. The implications of strong reactions during teaching and learning are juxtaposed against the notions of students’ learning profile and participants’ teaching and learning suggestions. Several recommendations are made that have emerged from the study that attempt to relate to students’ learning profile in social work professional learning