Browsing by Author "Mundalamo, Ntodiseni Anastatia"

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    The views of social service providers on the use of parenting plans for adolescents of divorced parents
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03-17) Mundalamo, Ntodiseni Anastatia; Green, Sulina; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Like in other countries, divorce has also become a common trend in South Africa and many children are exposed to the distress related to it. When parents separate or divorce, decisions have to be made that will have a huge impact on their child (ren). Finding ways to rear children both during and post-divorce is a daunting task for professionals. As part of a broader discussion designed to address the rearing of children in the separation and /or divorce process, the purpose of this study is to focus on a relatively new concept of the Children’s’ Act 38 of 2005, namely; parenting plans. Parenting plan is a new concept for social work service providers in South Africa working in the area of divorce. Emphasis has been placed in terms of section 33 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 to act in the best interest of the child (ren) and to assist the family with its functioning post-divorce. The aim of this study is to gain insight from social work service providers who facilitate parenting plans for divorcing families with adolescents. A qualitative research approach was used in the study. The study further assumed an exploratory and descriptive research design due to the limited information available regarding the views of social workers on the use of parenting plans for adolescents of divorce. A purposive sampling method was used to select 20 participants. Data was gathered by means of a semi structured interview schedule which was administered during individual interviews. This method allowed for a holistic view to be gained of participants’ opinions about and insights into the topic. The most vital recommendations resulting from the study indicate that social work service providers should become more equipped to facilitate parenting plans as this will help both the child and divorcing parents post-divorce. The use of parenting plan will ensure efficient implementation of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. Lastly it is suggested that more research be done about parenting plans nationally and internationally to increase knowledge regarding effective implementation of parenting plans as an intervention strategy for a divorcing families with adolescents.