Child protection services are seen as the largest field of social work service delivery in South Africa. Repeated warnings of the ‘crisis state’ of child protection services have gone unheeded. The aim of this article is to determine the current landscape of child protection service delivery and research within the South African context. The developmental social welfare approach was used as the epistemological framework for this systematic review. Findings indicated a significant emphasis on statutory services and a lack of resources for family preservation efforts. Appropriate costing models should be generated to specify critical needs and garner support from stakeholders.
{"title":"THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW","authors":"Marianne Strydom, U. Schiller, Julie Orme","doi":"10.15270/56-4-881","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-881","url":null,"abstract":"Child protection services are seen as the largest field of social work service delivery in South Africa. Repeated warnings of the ‘crisis state’ of child protection services have gone unheeded. The aim of this article is to determine the current landscape of child protection service delivery and research within the South African context. The developmental social welfare approach was used as the epistemological framework for this systematic review. Findings indicated a significant emphasis on statutory services and a lack of resources for family preservation efforts. Appropriate costing models should be generated to specify critical needs and garner support from stakeholders.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44811529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Empirical work related to African spirituality in the social sciences, particularly within the social work context, is sparse. It is crucial that practitioners have a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices that can support therapeutic goals in practice. Using qualitative research methodology, 20 child and youth care students at a selected university in South Africa, who are proponents of African spirituality, were interviewed with regards to their beliefs and practices. The major objective was to gain a richer insight into African spirituality and those African healing methodologies considered most relevant to child and youth care practice. Prayer to the ancestral spirits, sacrificial rituals and music were considered to be some of the most important practices identified that could guide both child and youth care practice and social work.
{"title":"AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY: UNEARTHING BELIEFS AND PRACTICES FOR THE HELPING PROFESSIONS","authors":"Charlene Singh, R. Bhagwan","doi":"10.15270/56-4-882","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-882","url":null,"abstract":"Empirical work related to African spirituality in the social sciences, particularly within the social work context, is sparse. It is crucial that practitioners have a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices that can support therapeutic goals in practice. Using qualitative research methodology, 20 child and youth care students at a selected university in South Africa, who are proponents of African spirituality, were interviewed with regards to their beliefs and practices. The major objective was to gain a richer insight into African spirituality and those African healing methodologies considered most relevant to child and youth care practice. Prayer to the ancestral spirits, sacrificial rituals and music were considered to be some of the most important practices identified that could guide both child and youth care practice and social work.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48365281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This qualitative study, based on Loretta Williams’s middle-range theory of caregiving dynamics, explores and describes the motivations of home-based caregivers in caring for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five home-based caregivers from three provinces of South Africa. The study underscores Williams’s theory. It revealed that caregivers are motivated by experiencing caregiving as a divine calling; a need for self-fulfilment; an innate passion; a response to personal experiences (having a sick family member, or who is HIV-infected); an alternative career (to nursing or social work); a form of employment; and utilising existing experiences and skills.
{"title":"MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS FOR CARING FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN SOUTH AFRICA: HOME-BASED CAREGIVERS’ EXPERIENCES","authors":"Robert Lekganyane","doi":"10.15270/56-4-888","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-888","url":null,"abstract":"This qualitative study, based on Loretta Williams’s middle-range theory of caregiving dynamics, explores and describes the motivations of home-based caregivers in caring for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five home-based caregivers from three provinces of South Africa. The study underscores Williams’s theory. It revealed that caregivers are motivated by experiencing caregiving as a divine calling; a need for self-fulfilment; an innate passion; a response to personal experiences (having a sick family member, or who is HIV-infected); an alternative career (to nursing or social work); a form of employment; and utilising existing experiences and skills.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44121965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Using an exploratory and descriptive design, as well as interviews and focus group discussions with female adolescents, their parents, former users of substances, social workers, probation officers, community leaders, teachers and police (SAPS), the paper explores the interplay between substance use by female adolescents and their behaviour. Findings revealed that substances use among female adolescents motivated sexual behaviour, sexual engagement was driven by financial goals, there was an increased risk of contracting STIs, excessive consumption of alcohol was normalised, and increased propensity for conflict became evident. The paper recommends that the government and NGOs work together synergistically in order to address substance use among adolescent females.
{"title":"INTERPLAY BETWEEN SUBSTANCE USE AND HEALTH: BEHAVIOURAL DYNAMICS AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS IN BUTTERWORTH, SOUTH AFRICA","authors":"Samkelo Bala, S. Kang’ethe","doi":"10.15270/56-4-886","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-886","url":null,"abstract":"Using an exploratory and descriptive design, as well as interviews and focus group discussions with female adolescents, their parents, former users of substances, social workers, probation officers, community leaders, teachers and police (SAPS), the paper explores the interplay between substance use by female adolescents and their behaviour. Findings revealed that substances use among female adolescents motivated sexual behaviour, sexual engagement was driven by financial goals, there was an increased risk of contracting STIs, excessive consumption of alcohol was normalised, and increased propensity for conflict became evident. The paper recommends that the government and NGOs work together synergistically in order to address substance use among adolescent females.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42892902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Substance abuse constantly wreaks havoc on families. A family member’s substance use disorder (SUD) repeatedly turns a home into a volatile, toxic environment, immersing concerned significant others (CSOs) in a state of confusion and hardship, forcing them to sacrifice their own energies and resources in order to manage this aberration in their midst, often to the extent that they eventually adopt maladaptive behaviours themselves to survive. When partners with an SUD enter treatment, the interventions primarily focus on them, while the non-abusing CSO partner is regarded as an adjunct to the primary treatment and instrumental in a successful treatment outcome. The CSO’s own needs usually go unrecognized and they seldom receive specialised treatment to recover from the anguish caused by a partner’s SUD, depriving them of a service they are entitled to as individuals in their own right. This phenomenon explains the lacuna in treatment regimens aimed at CSOs which should also fall within the ambit of social work.
{"title":"PLAYING THE SECOND FIDDLE - THE EXPERIENCES, CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES OF CONCERNED SIGNIFICANT OTHERS OF PARTNERS WITH A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER: INFORMING SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS","authors":"Peter Schultz, A. Alpaslan","doi":"10.15270/56-4-885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-885","url":null,"abstract":"Substance abuse constantly wreaks havoc on families. A family member’s substance use disorder (SUD) repeatedly turns a home into a volatile, toxic environment, immersing concerned significant others (CSOs) in a state of confusion and hardship, forcing them to sacrifice their own energies and resources in order to manage this aberration in their midst, often to the extent that they eventually adopt maladaptive behaviours themselves to survive. When partners with an SUD enter treatment, the interventions primarily focus on them, while the non-abusing CSO partner is regarded as an adjunct to the primary treatment and instrumental in a successful treatment outcome. The CSO’s own needs usually go unrecognized and they seldom receive specialised treatment to recover from the anguish caused by a partner’s SUD, depriving them of a service they are entitled to as individuals in their own right. This phenomenon explains the lacuna in treatment regimens aimed at CSOs which should also fall within the ambit of social work.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47235960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counselling technique that is used by psychologists, doctors, nurses, midwives and social workers as an effective intervention aimed at behavioural change. Despite its efficacy, it is not commonly used in South Africa. Our aim was to explore the barriers that social and health practitioners who were trained in administering MI experienced in implementing MI in their work with clients. We used a qualitative approach to explore these barriers and a phenomenological research design to explore the research question. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 MI practitioners (social workers, registered counsellors, an educational psychologist, a life coach and an addiction counsellor) who were living and working in the Western Cape and deemed competent in MI. Our thematic analysis resulted in four broad areas being identified. These were practitioner-related factors, client-related factors, lack of continuous training and supervision, and workplace-related factors.
{"title":"EXPLORING THE BARRIERS THAT PREVENT PRACTITIONERS FROM IMPLEMENTING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN THEIR WORK WITH CLIENTS","authors":"D. Bell, R. Roomaney","doi":"10.15270/56-4-884","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-884","url":null,"abstract":"Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counselling technique that is used by psychologists, doctors, nurses, midwives and social workers as an effective intervention aimed at behavioural change. Despite its efficacy, it is not commonly used in South Africa. Our aim was to explore the barriers that social and health practitioners who were trained in administering MI experienced in implementing MI in their work with clients. We used a qualitative approach to explore these barriers and a phenomenological research design to explore the research question. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 MI practitioners (social workers, registered counsellors, an educational psychologist, a life coach and an addiction counsellor) who were living and working in the Western Cape and deemed competent in MI. Our thematic analysis resulted in four broad areas being identified. These were practitioner-related factors, client-related factors, lack of continuous training and supervision, and workplace-related factors.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45960797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The complexity of societal needs in a new democracy requires a high level of human resources to facilitate transformation among individuals, groups, as well as in society to enhance human circumstances. This requires a distinct contribution to knowledge-building and practice through doctoral research. Six suggestions offered by doctoral graduates indicate that during preparation for this learning journey, aspirants should want to pursue viable topics they are passionate about; be ready to make a unique contribution to the discipline; disseminate and implement findings after completion of their studies; identify a knowledgeable and supportive promoter; have financial assistance; and remain emotionally disposed to engage with an intensive, rigorous programme.
{"title":"SUGGESTIONS FROM SOCIAL WORK DOCTORAL GRADUATES ON WHAT ASPIRANTS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ENROLMENT","authors":"D. Makofane","doi":"10.15270/56-4-858","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-858","url":null,"abstract":"The complexity of societal needs in a new democracy requires a high level of human resources to facilitate transformation among individuals, groups, as well as in society to enhance human circumstances. This requires a distinct contribution to knowledge-building and practice through doctoral research. Six suggestions offered by doctoral graduates indicate that during preparation for this learning journey, aspirants should want to pursue viable topics they are passionate about; be ready to make a unique contribution to the discipline; disseminate and implement findings after completion of their studies; identify a knowledgeable and supportive promoter; have financial assistance; and remain emotionally disposed to engage with an intensive, rigorous programme.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41443507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The number of South Africans citizens emigrating abroad has increased dramatically, resulting in a multitude of parents remaining behind. This qualitative phenomenological study explored and described the reasons for the emigration of adult children of predominantly white South African parents. Multiple motivating factors validated the emigration, namely the South African political climate, violent crime, lack of employment opportunities and high skill mobility. In an attempt to justify the emigration, parents subsequently provided their children with a “license to leave”. Each parent was affected uniquely in this complex psychosocial journey. Social workers can assist in the reconstruction of meaning by guiding the parent through this life-altering decision
{"title":"“A LICENSE TO LEAVE SOUTH AFRICA”: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF SOUTH AFRICAN PARENTS’ NARRATIVES OF THEIR CHILDREN’S REASONS FOR EMIGRATION","authors":"Sulette Ferreira, Charlene. L. Carbonatto","doi":"10.15270/56-4-860","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-860","url":null,"abstract":"The number of South Africans citizens emigrating abroad has increased dramatically, resulting in a multitude of parents remaining behind. This qualitative phenomenological study explored and described the reasons for the emigration of adult children of predominantly white South African parents. Multiple motivating factors validated the emigration, namely the South African political climate, violent crime, lack of employment opportunities and high skill mobility. In an attempt to justify the emigration, parents subsequently provided their children with a “license to leave”. Each parent was affected uniquely in this complex psychosocial journey. Social workers can assist in the reconstruction of meaning by guiding the parent through this life-altering decision","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46827237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This article explored family connectedness and the way that families are dealing with adolescents in conflict with the law. Ten adolescents, ten family members, and five social workers constituted the sample for the study. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. Three themes were identified through thematic analysis. The results of this study clearly show that the level of connectedness amongst families influences how they deal with adolescents in conflict with the law. Family structure and parental engagement were key factors affecting the relationship with the adolescent. A low level of connectedness was evident in all the families interviewed.
{"title":"FAMILY CONNECTEDNESS IN FAMILIES DEALING WITH ADOLESCENTS IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW","authors":"Merle Danhouse","doi":"10.15270/56-4-862","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-862","url":null,"abstract":"This article explored family connectedness and the way that families are dealing with adolescents in conflict with the law. Ten adolescents, ten family members, and five social workers constituted the sample for the study. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. Three themes were identified through thematic analysis. The results of this study clearly show that the level of connectedness amongst families influences how they deal with adolescents in conflict with the law. Family structure and parental engagement were key factors affecting the relationship with the adolescent. A low level of connectedness was evident in all the families interviewed.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48448934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The article purpose of the article is to report on an empowerment programme for child-carers in private places of temporary safe-care so as to equip them with skills to act in the best interest of the children in their care. The programme was compiled on the basis of a needs assessment with child-care workers and social workers involved in private places of temporary safe-care, as well as a literature study. The programme consisted of nine sessions, including topics such as factors to be considered when dealing with these children, trauma, medical care, behavioural problems, bonding, discipline, natural parents and self-care of child-carers.
{"title":"THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME FOR CHILD-CARERS IN PRIVATE PLACES OF TEMPORARY SAFE-CARE","authors":"Mandy Dubery, C. Strydom, H. Strydom","doi":"10.15270/56-4-859","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15270/56-4-859","url":null,"abstract":"The article purpose of the article is to report on an empowerment programme for child-carers in private places of temporary safe-care so as to equip them with skills to act in the best interest of the children in their care. The programme was compiled on the basis of a needs assessment with child-care workers and social workers involved in private places of temporary safe-care, as well as a literature study. The programme consisted of nine sessions, including topics such as factors to be considered when dealing with these children, trauma, medical care, behavioural problems, bonding, discipline, natural parents and self-care of child-carers.","PeriodicalId":44671,"journal":{"name":"Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2020-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48083730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}