Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
916 research outputs found
Sort by
POPULATION AGEING AND THE CHALLENGES FACED BY OLDER PERSONS IN LESOTHO
Full text linkThe 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
THE ROUTLEDGE INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK FOR SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISION
Full text linkThis book on social work supervision is true to its title. It is an international handbook that provides a comprehensive guideline describing supervision theory, practice, and research within the context of countries across the world
RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE TRANSRACIALLY ADOPTED CHILD’S BIOLOGICAL FAMILY IN SOUTH AFRICA: EXPERIENCES OF FAMILIES IN CLOSED AND OPEN ADOPTIONS
Full text linkSocio-economic and cultural circumstances in South Africa impact on why people place children for adoption, and affect the attitudes towards the biological family, as well as communication and contact between the adoptive and biological families. No research on contact between adoptive and biological families of transracial adoptees has been conducted in South Africa. This exploratory research investigated the attitudes towards biological family and how adoptive families manage communication about and contact with the biological family in closed and open adoptions. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 26 transracial adoptive families with a total of 35 adopted children. Data were gathered through family interviews and focus groups, using the FANI interview method and thematically analysed, using an inductive, iterative approach. Results highlight challenges and tasks for adoptive families, including (1) sharing information about biological families; (2) creating connections with community and culture associated with biological families; (3) communication with biological families; and (4) in-person contact with biological family
WE NEED SUPPORT: THE EXPERIENCES OF FAMILY MEMBERS CARING FOR A RELATIVE DIAGNOSED WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
Full text linkFamily members living with and caring for a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia may experience severe challenges that can result in secondary stress and influence various life domains. This article is based on a study which aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of these family members. The study applied a qualitative research approach with phenomenology as the strategy of inquiry. The study implemented voluntary snowball sampling to select participants for the study. Data collection consisted of unstructured interviews followed by thematic analysis to establish the findings of the research. These findings specified the challenges experienced by family members caring for a relative with schizophrenia. The findings also indicated the social support and social work interventions which can mitigate or prevent the adverse effects when family members care for a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia. Effective and comprehensive social work services, which are family sensitive and inclusive, are imperative. Active engagement with both the family carer(s) and relative diagnosed with schizophrenia can contribute to minimising these adverse effects.
 
SOCIAL WORK, SOCIAL WELFARE, AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A POSTCOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE
Full text linkThe lack of African social work literature and an overreliance on Western literature have led to calls for African scholars to produce rich social work texts to support Africa’s decolonisation agenda. In Social Work, Social Welfare, and Social Development in Nigeria: A Postcolonial Perspective, Mel Gray and Solomon Ahmadasun offer a key text on social work in Nigeria
ENHANCING CHILDREN’S SAFETY AND WELLBEING: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF A NEW SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMME IN FREE STATE TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS
Full text linkIn 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
THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF DISPLACED AFRICAN SINGLE MOTHERS IN THE AFTERMATH OF FLOODS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
Full text linkIn 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
RESPECTING DIVERSITY THROUGH JOINT SOCIAL ACTION
Full text linkIn the pursuit of progress and lasting change, one African saying resonates deeply: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This proverb encapsulates the essence of collaboration and unity, highlighting the indispensable role of diverse perspectives and contributions in achieving enduring success. It underscores the imperative of embracing and respecting different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints to realise common objectives. The articles in this second issue of 2024 are indeed a demonstration of the Journal’s mission of diversity through joint social action
FACILITATING ACTIVE AGEING: A SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION WITH INSTITUTIONALISED OLDER ADULTS
Full text linkOlder adults in many developing nations move to care homes for reasons other than ill health, but the institutional routines, paired with the separation from families, may curtail their autonomy and choices, adversely affecting their active ageing prospects. This study introduced a novel social work intervention that targeted individual-level, personnel-level and institutional-level modifications to improve the active ageing prospects of institutionalised older adults. A total of 35 participants (16 males and 19 females) were recruited from seven care homes in Kerala, India. The active ageing status of the participants significantly improved after the intervention (137.77±45.1) compared to that before the intervention (128±44.2). The findings show that structural and personnel changes in the institution, combined with individual and family-level interventions, can improve the active ageing prospects of institutionalised older adults in developing nations, where institutionalisation is not always necessarily a consequence of ill health
EXPLORING THE KNOWLEDGE AND NEEDS OF PARENTS WITH YOUNG PERSONS MISUSING SUBSTANCES
Full text linkSubstance misuse amongst young people continues to increase alarmingly. Sadly, parents are expected to rescue the situation and provide support to the young person. This article seeks to explore the knowledge and needs of parents with young persons misusing substances. The study was conducted at the 10 service points of the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD), in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM). A qualitative research approach with non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 10 parents of young persons misusing substances. Face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews based on an interview guide were employed to collect the data. The data were analysed by using Tesch’s eight-step process of analysing factual data. Two themes with associated sub-themes emerged. A need was identified for parents to be better equipped and informed about substance misuse and how to deal with it to enable them to provide appropriate support to young persons