Browsing by Author "Zibi, Zonke"
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- ItemExperiences of social workers in facilitating rehabilitation programmes for incarcerated male offenders(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-12) Zibi, Zonke; Zimba, Z. F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The motivation to conduct this study in which social workers are the focus was based on the observation that most studies on correctional services focus on offenders and their experiences; the literature reveals limited studies on the experiences of social workers who work with incarcerated male offenders in correctional services. Therefore, this qualitative research was conducted to develop an understanding of the experiences of social workers in facilitating rehabilitation programmes for incarcerated male offenders. The study used a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design. The design necessitated the collection of verbatim narratives from the participants. A purposive sampling method was used, under which certain criteria for inclusion were established. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted with 16 social workers working with male offenders in correctional facilities. An interview schedule (see Annexure 2) was used as a guide for interviewing the participants. The data collected through semi-structured telephonic interviews was transcribed, analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. The study found that the roles of social workers in the rehabilitation of offenders include assessing offenders, offering individual counselling, family consultation, crisis intervention, supporting offenders, being brokers, providing group work services, engaging in administrative tasks such as report writing, and acting as facilitators, motivators, researchers, research consumers and organisers. The study found that social workers experience both positive and negative aspects of their work as programme facilitators for incarcerated male offenders. The many challenges they face during the course of their work in correctional facilities includes prison overcrowding, high caseloads, lack of prioritisation of rehabilitation services by correctional officials, negative attitudes of correctional officials to the social work discipline, and lack of support from management and other colleagues. It is recommended that social workers be provided with resources necessary to execute their duties, that more staff be made available for this work and that social workers consult and engage with their management in order to address the challenges experienced with working in correctional centres.