Asian Social Work Journal
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Challenges of the Provision of Professional Supervision in Facilitating Best Practice in Child Protection Services
Full text linkSupervision is an important component in social worker practice. The provision of professional supervision is crucial to ensure the delivering of better quality child protection services. The study aims to explore the experience of supervision, specifically the views of respondents on the challenges of the provision of professional supervision in facilitating best practice in child protection services. A cross-sectional design utilizing an exploratory-descriptive qualitative method is identified for this study. The respondents of the study comprise of individuals work within a statutory child protection agency and individuals from non-statutory child protection setting but within other related professional bodies and services systems in relation to child protection. Findings indicate the lacking of a structured and systematic professional supervision, poor supervision in relation to a routinized ‘technical’ operational provision of supervision as well as lack of qualified social work supervisors are some of the most challenging situations in the provision of professional supervision in child proetecion services. The findings also recognize the importance of professional supervision in facilitating and sustaining best practice in child protection services. These findings have great relevance to the organization’s human resource strategic planning and capacity building in the area of social work child protection practice. It can also be a platform and support on the need to develop a more structured professional supervision courses and trainings in the country
Determinants of Adolescent Buprenorphine/Naloxone Abuse
Full text linkStreet heroin completely disappeared from the black market in 2019 in Bandung, Indonesia. This situation occurred because many heroin abusers switched to the more readily available and cheaper buprenorphine/naloxone. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that encourage adolescents to engage in buprenorphine/naloxone drug abuse. Qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach was used. In-depth interviews were conducted from September to November 2021 with 13 male and 4 female students as informants. The research findings showed that all research informants had a history of drug abuse since elementary and middle school. Before being addicted to buprenorphine/naloxone, informants were already addicted to drugs, some were even at the level of hardcore addiction or severe addiction. Factors that encouraged informants to abuse drugs included a negative environment at home, among friends and school, and ineffective communication between children and parents. In everyday life, apart from peers, informants also have older friends who have a negative influence. Informants also have low self-control as indicated by drug taking.
 
Rising After Disaster: An Analysis of Coping Mechanisms Among Tsunami Survivors 20 Years Later
Full text linkThe tsunami that struck Aceh on 26 December 2004 caused catastrophic destruction and an estimated loss of around 300,000 human lives. This natural disaster not only resulted in extensive physical devastation and total loss of property but also triggered significant psychological issues. Early research indicates that coping strategies play a vital role in strengthening resilience among disaster survivors and in preventing the onset of more severe psychological conditions. This study, therefore, examines the coping strategies used by tsunami survivors who lost family members during the disaster. A total of ten survivors who met the criteria of losing family members were selected using snowball sampling. This study employed a qualitative case study design. In-depth interviews were conducted individually until data saturation was reached. The data were then analysed thematically. Findings reveal that three (3) coping strategies were used by the informants: social support (for example, through cultural and community activities), religious coping involving prayer and other practices, and situational change, such as relocating, pursuing aspirations, and engaging in business. Collectively, these approaches enhanced the survivors’ mental and emotional resilience and strengthened their self-confidence, even twenty (20) years after the disaster
Effective Intervention Paths of School Social Work in the Social Support System for Poor College Students in Shanxi Province, China
Full text linkThis study aims to explore effective intervention paths of school social work in optimizing the social support system for poor College Students in Shanxi Province, China. Adopting a qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 2 education bureau leaders, 3 university funding center administrators, 5 counselors, 20 poor College Students, and 2 focus groups (10 students each) via purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using open coding, axial coding, and selective coding with ATLAS.ti software. The results identified three core statuses of the current social support system: government-dominated financial support, insufficient emotional support, and fragmented school-based support. Corresponding problems included a single support subject, unbalanced support content, and inefficient coordination mechanisms. Three effective intervention paths were proposed: constructing a multi-stakeholder collaborative support network, optimizing the structure of support content, and establishing an integrated school social work service mechanism. This study provides empirical evidence and practical references for improving the social support system for poor College Students and promoting the professional development of school social work in China
Commitment in the Relationship Between Structural Empowerment and Social Work Competency
Full text linkThis study examines the role of commitment as a mediator in the relationship between structural empowerment and social work competency among social workers in the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). Structural empowerment encompasses the provision of opportunities, information, support, and resources by organizations to support the professional development of social workers. This research uses a quantitative approach through a survey method, involving 300 randomly selected respondents. The study instrument includes scales that measure structural empowerment, organizational commitment, and social work competency, which includes knowledge, skills, values, and ethics. Multiple regression analysis and mediation tests show a significant direct relationship between structural empowerment and social work competency (β = 0.402, p < 0.001). Commitment was found to act as a mediator in this relationship, with a significant indirect effect of structural empowerment on competency through commitment (β = 0.105, p < 0.01). The results also indicate that high commitment can reduce burnout and increase social workers' resilience in facing complex challenges. These findings suggest that commitment is a critical element in strengthening the relationship between structural empowerment and social work competency. Therefore, organizations are encouraged to reinforce structural empowerment by providing support, career development opportunities, and a positive work environment. This not only increases social workers' commitment but also helps improve their competency in delivering quality services to the community. This study contributes to the growing literature on the role of commitment in enhancing competency through structural empowerment in social work
Conceptualization of Best Practice Approach to Professional Supervision in Child Protection Services Within a Statutory Agency in Malaysia
Full text linkThe care, safety and protection of children is a shared responsibilitiy of the whole society. Government policies such as the National Child Protection Policy have emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies as well as with the informal care system (families, neighbours and communities) to facilitate children are appropriately protected from maltreatment and its consequences. In recent times, there is an increasing awareness of the complexity of the jigsaw components of best practice in relation to child protection and the important roles of professionally trained social work child protection workers in addressing these complexities. One of the import provision to best practice in child protection is professional supervision. In relation to this, the understanding of the overall conceptualization of best practice approach to professional supervision in child protection services within a statutory agency in Malaysia is hence important. The paper discusses the concepts of supervision, child protection and best practice in child protection services. It recognises that social work child protection workers within the statutory child protection system in Malaysia, particularly frontline workers urgently require supported and valuing work environment, that encourages professional development and supervision to facilitate their provision of best practice child protection services
Implementation of SDGs in Community Empowerment by an Islamic Philanthropic Institution
Full text linkThis study investigates the function of Islamic philanthropic organizations—specifically, the East Java Lazismu Representative Office—in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via community empowerment. This research used a qualitative case-study methodology to evaluate Lazismu's governance, operational issues, and program alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, employing theoretical frameworks from Pierre Bourdieu and Jim Ife. Research indicates that Lazismu's community empowerment programs, organised around the pillars of education, health, social welfare, economic development, humanitarian efforts, and environmental sustainability, substantially advance SDG objectives, including poverty alleviation and the promotion of quality education. Nonetheless, implementation primarily retains a benevolent nature, demonstrating restricted participatory and transformative empowerment. Primary challenges encompass insufficient oversight, variable implementation of operating standards, and internal disputes concerning fund allocation. Despite Lazismu's strong social connections and collaboration among stakeholders, the empowerment process must incorporate greater community engagement and skill enhancement to foster enduring, self-sustaining growth within the community. The research emphasises prospects for augmenting effect via enhanced governance and participatory methodologies
Internet Usage and Its Impact on The Physical and Mental Health of The Elderly in China
Full text linkThis study examines the relationship between internet usage and the mental and physical health of elderly individuals in China using data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS). Employing an ordered logistic regression model, the research explores how internet usage influences the health of the elderly. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between internet use and health outcomes of the elderly population. Elderly internet users demonstrate 10.8% and 6.7% higher physiological and mental health compared to non-users. However, using the internet as the primary information source significantly impairs physical health, while leisure-time internet use also negatively affects health. Moreover, the health impacts vary by demographic characteristics – married, male, more educated, and Communist Party member elderly benefit more. Overall, internet use can elevate the health levels of older adults but negative effects also exist. It is necessary to balance usage time and implement tailored interventions to promote the overall well-being of the elderly. Key recommendations include: advocating diversified internet use; promoting digital literacy; strengthening offline social connections. This research provides important insights into understanding the impacts of internet use on the health of the aging population in China, informing policies to improve their well-being in the digital age
Rebuilding Lives: A Conceptual Paper on Social Work Practice and Peer Support in the Recovery of Women with MDD
Full text linkThis concept paper explores the synergistic role of social work practice and peer support in facilitating the recovery of women living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Grounded in the CHIME Recovery Framework and Role Theory, the paper conceptualizes recovery as a holistic and empowering journey driven by personal agency, community integration, and psychosocial support. It highlights the unique vulnerabilities and psychosocial burdens faced by women, while advocating for recovery-oriented, peer-inclusive models of care that promote meaning, connection, and empowerment. The paper emphasizes the need to strengthen the role of social workers in Malaysia, through professional recognition, systemic support, and integration into community-based mental health services. By presenting a conceptual synthesis of theory, practice, and local context, this paper aims to guide policy development and future research in building inclusive and person-centered mental health recovery systems
Pembelajaran Berasaskan Pengalaman dalam Menangani Cabaran Keibubapaan Anak Istimewa: Satu Kajian Kualitatif di Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Full text linkArtikel ini meneroka bagaimana ibu bapa anak kurang upaya pembelajaran memperoleh kemahiran penjagaan melalui pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman. Kajian ini menggunakan teori pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman, iaitu mengkaji bagaimana ibu bapa meningkatkan kecekapan melalui pembelajaran melalui pengalaman, refleksi, interaksi bersama profesional dan kumpulan rakan sebaya. Pendekatan kualitatif digunakan serta data di kumpul secara temu bual mendalam bersama 28 ibu dan bapa di Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti di sekitar Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Kajian ini mengetengahkan ibu bapa belajar berdasarkan pendekatan "belajar secara spontan" serta beradaptasi dengan perubahan seterusnya mengatasi cabaran emosi, perubatan dan pendidikan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman merupakan proses berulang yang berterusan yang meningkatkan kebolehsuaian, penyelesaian masalah dan kemahiran advokasi ibu bapa. Dapatan kajian ini memberikan pandangan tentang bagaimana ahli profesional boleh memudahkan pembelajaran penjagaan anak berasaskan pengalaman dengan menyediakan maklum balas, sumber dan peluang masa nyata untuk pembelajaran reflektif