Department of Social Work

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Die ACVV as welsynspionier : van welsyn vir armblankes tot eietydse uitdagings vir inklusiewe ontwikkelingsgerigte maatskaplike werk
(ASSAF -- Academy of Science of South Africa, 2011-12) Engelbrecht, Lambert K.
Die eerste formele welsynsorganisasie in Suid-Afrika, naamlik die ACVV, is amptelik in 1904 gestig. Dié betrokke welsynsdienste was aanvanklik op armblankes gerig en dit het in sekere kringe die ACVV se besondere bydrae tot die daarstelling van gesofi stikeerde maatskaplikewerkdienste en -strukture oorskadu. Teen hierdie agtergrond word die ACVV se historiese mylpale in dié artikel ontleed, gevolg deur ’n oorsig van die organisasie se teenswoordige inklusiewe ontwikkelingsgerigte maatskaplikewerk-konteks, ten einde eietydse uitdagings aan die ACVV en soortgelyke welsynsorganisasies aan die lig te bring. Die gevolgrekking word gemaak dat die bedoelinge en krag van veral vroue in welsyn nie altyd na waarde geskat word nie; en om die ACVV slegs binne die konteks van ’n volksmoederdiskoers of kleurslagboom te beskou, is bloot eendimensioneel, sonder begrip dat dit juis die organisasiekultuur en vrywilligerbasis van die organisasie is wat dit oor geslagte heen die verskillende politieke bestelle laat oorleef het. Die kapasiteit en dienste van die organisasie demonstreer steeds ’n beduidende positiewe impak op die lewens van kwesbare mense en transformasie van maatskaplike werk in Suid-Afrika. Eietydse uitdagings behels onder meer die behoud van ’n samebindende organisasiekultuur en vrywilligerskorps; die gerigtheid op gesinsorgdienste as kernaktiwiteit; die bestuur van die organisasie as ’n waardegedrewe leeromgewing vanuit ’n sterkteperspektief; ’n situasiespesifi eke balans tussen ontwikkelings- en remediërende funksies en ook maatskaplikewerk-metodiek; die integrering van ekonomiese aktiwiteite met maatskaplikewerk-aktiwiteite deur bewustelike fasilitering van sodanige aksies tydens alle dienste op alle vlakke; versekering van ’n volhoubare fi nansiële inkomste vir die organisasie; en die behoud van personeel en vrywilligers.
Adolescent pregnancy resolution with special reference to pre-abortion counselling
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Evangelisti, Linda; Kruger, S. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study of the extent and nature of adolescent pregnancy resolution and pre-abortion counselling was undertaken. Little research has been done on pre-abortion counselling in South Africa since the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act (92 of 1996) was passed in February 1997. This study emphasised pre-abortion counselling since this is a new field for most counsellors. A literature study was conducted on adolescent pregnancy, focussing on the factors and possible consequences of the choice to carry the pregnancy to term or to terminate it. Adolescents, more than adults, need assistance to make this decision. Crisis intervention was explored as a possible counselling model for pregnancy resolution and pre-abortion counselling. The preliminary investigation included interviews with social workers and nursing professionals in Mossel Bay. Nursing professionals were included in the study since they administer the pregnancy tests and are therefore the first professionals with whom the pregnant adolescent comes into contact. This investigation revealed that nurses, not social workers, do most of the preabortion counselling in Mossel Bay. The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act emphasises the importance of supplying pre and post-abortion counselling at the facility providing the termination of pregnancy. The Act also envisages this as primarily a medical concern, with the implication that nursing professionals should do the counselling. The role of professional counsellors such as social workers is not mentioned in the Act. The Act lays down that training will be provided to equip nursing professionals with necessary skills to render this service. The empirical study examined the training and skills of nursing professionals and social workers to determine whether they were adequately qualified to render these services. The respondents' attitude towards pregnant adolescents who choose abortion was also investigated, since this would influence their counselling skills. The investigation revealed that many of the nurses did not seem confident in their counselling although they felt that they were adequately qualified to counsel pregnant adolescents. The nurses explained that they did not feel that they had enough knowledge of the different options, especially foster care and adoption and therefore referred patients to a social worker or Options Pregnancy Centre (a volunteer based counselling centre). The social workers felt confident in counselling adolescents who decided to carry pregnancy to term. The counselling model used was crisis intervention, which is most appropriate for pre-abortion counselling as well. However they felt that they did not have enough information of abortion procedures and emotional consequences of abortion to counsel a pregnant adolescent requesting an abortion effectively. The study showed that respondents felt empathy and understanding for the adolescents' situation and the seriousness of the decision needing to be made. The study also found that social workers and nurses were willing to attend further training in order to improve their knowledge and their counselling skills. The training should therefore not focus on attitudes but simply on improving counselling skills. Training should focus on the nature of a crisis and the steps of crisis intervention.
Against the odds : strengths displayed by abused women
(Stellenbosch University, 2014) Slabbert, Ilze
Although legislation protecting women’s rights in South Africa is well developed, statistics indicate that violence against women has become the norm. There are no cultural, socio-economic, political, religious or educational boundaries to domestic violence. Despite this, some abused women display certain strengths. The strengths perspective is thus a suitable theoretical approach for this qualitative study exploring and describing the strengths of twenty abused women who formed the sample. Five strengths – namely hope, resilience, pride, healing and wholeness, and lastly personal qualities, traits and virtues – were identified. Some recommendations are made about the suitability of the strengths perspective for practice.
The application of the Child Care Act in respect of the assessment and sentencing of juvenile offenders
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Gildenhuys, Marianne; Green, S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences . Dept. of Social Work .
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is concerned with children and youths in conflict with the law, who are additionally at risk of becoming or being in need of care. The study eventuated from concern for neglected children and youths from poor, disadvantaged and violent communities in the Western Cape Province, who inevitably lapsed into crime. Child and youth care, including juvenile justice, in South Africa is presently in a process of transformation, managed by the inter-ministerial committee on young people at risk. As an outcome of the transformation of the juvenile justice system, assessment centres were established at juvenile courts. Probation officers were appointed in terms of the Probation Services Act (Act 116 of 1991) to assess arrested children and youths before their first court appearance in view of a suitable awaiting trial placement and possible diversion of the criminal case. The researcher investigated how arrested children and youths, being in need of care, are managed within the criminal justice system. The research study showed that in spite of the implementation of policies and legislation to protect children and youths from detention in prison, the number of children and youths in prisons awaiting trial have steadily increased. A continuous shortage of vacancies in awaiting trial places of safety exists. It has further been established that professionals such as magistrates, prosecutors and probation officers recognize the needs of arrested children and youths who are additionally at risk of being or becoming in need of care. Factors such as the existing lack of vacancies in awaiting trial places of safety however result in children and youths not being protected in terms of care in all instances. The research study also indicated that arrested children and youths who are current subjects of the Child Care Act (Act 74 of 1983) as amended are often not effectively managed within the criminal justice system. A lack of sufficient knowledge of the said Child Care Act by especially prosecutors appears to be a contributing factor. A comprehensive criminal justice system for children and youths in South Africa is being envisaged, as contained in the draft Bill (Bill B), which will enable individualized but holistic services in respect of children and youths in conflict with the law. The role and tasks of probation officers carrying out assessments have as such become a key element in the management of arrested children and youths, as contained in the draft Bill (Bill B). Probation officers therefore playa significant role in advising the court regarding the appropriate management of arrested children and youths who are at risk of becoming or being in need of care.
ART : the views of counsellors about skills needed in counselling HIV/AIDS patients
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-12) Frans, Nocawe R.; Green, Sulina; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
South Africa is experiencing a serious HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) epidemic, with millions of its people living with the disease and dying from related diseases. As there is no cure as yet, counselling as a form of intervention is one of the most powerful ways to address the psychosocial aspects of HIV/AIDS. The motivation for this study was the lack of research concerning skills needed by counsellors in counselling HIV/AIDS patients who are on antiretroviral treatment (ART) or are about to commence antiretroviral treatment. To add to the knowledge that is lacking, the study was approached by means of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The purpose of the research was explorative and descriptive. The discussion on the literature that was studied provides an overview of the implications of HIV/AIDS for the individual and the family, and of the psychosocial implications, in addition to describing antiretroviral treatment and the nature of HIV and adherence counselling processes and skills. A sample of 16 adherence counsellors who were between the ages of 27 and 57 years was interviewed. These adherence counsellors were employed by Sothemba Aids Action, placed at the different ART sites, trained at the Aids, Training, Information and Counselling Centre (ATTIC) and have gained one or more years’ experience in HIV/AIDS counselling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as research instrument. It contained both open- and closed-ended questions. All the interviews took place at the clinics where the counsellors were employed or worked. The results of the study showed that an equal number of respondents from two different ethnic groups were interviewed; all the participants had received high school education; and a few obtained tertiary level qualifications. They all received training in basic counselling skills and adherence counselling skills. A few indicated additional training in Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), as well as Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission Counselling (PMTC). A minority of counsellors indicated making use of a translator and that their experience was that the message was always misinterpreted. All the adherence counsellors indicated a need for further training involving social problems and counselling of children at different ages and stages of development. It was also found that the adherence counsellors lack skills in counselling intervention processes and in intervention. All the adherence counsellors raised concerns regarding their working conditions and salaries. In light of the above it is recommended that patients be counselled in their preferred language, that all counsellors receive the same training in counselling and in the additional areas where they experience a shortcoming. Data on HIV/AIDS and adherence counselling, including the views of counsellors and patients are limited. It is recommended that more research be done on HIV/AIDS and adherence counselling, including the different disciplines that are involved and the views of patients about services rendered to them by those in the different disciplines, and counsellors.
Assessment in child protection services: challenges faced by social workers
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Ndonga, Moreblessing Memory; Strydom, Marianne; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Assessment is the first step in child protection service rendering after a case of possible child abuse and neglect is reported. This assessment is the basis upon which important decisions should be made regarding what actions to take to protect children from abuse and neglect. It is therefore an important part of the task of the social worker in child protection practice worldwide. In South Africa, the execution of assessment in child protection services is paramount in the realisation of the rights of children to care and protection as advocated for in international, regional, and domestic policies and legislation. Despite the importance of assessment in the delivery of child protection services, it remains an under-researched area of enquiry when it comes to daily challenges faced by social workers in executing assessments in child protection services with children and families in South Africa. Hence the goal of this study was to gain an understanding of the challenges that social workers experience in assessment practice in child protection services in the South African context. The rights-based perspective and ecological perspective were chosen as the theoretical frameworks for this study. This study employed a qualitative research approach. It was an exploratory and a descriptive study, within a purposive sample selection of 18 social workers and 5 social work supervisors employed in 3 designated NGOs in the Cape Town area. The primary research instrument utilised in this study was the semi-structured interview schedule, which was developed based on themes emerging from literature. Six themes were derived from the participant interviews by way of thematic analysis. These themes were then further divided into subthemes and categories. The study revealed that when social workers undertake assessments, they are faced with challenges relating to the implementation of tools and challenges in organisations, communities and families that they work in. Many of the challenges that social workers face in regards to the implementation of assessment tools are due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of assessment tools which is linked to a lack of formal and refresher training on the implementation of those tools. As a consequence of the lack of formal training, social work supervisors have been burdened to provide informal training to enable social workers in their organisations to implement assessment tools. It is clear from the study’s findings that there is a strong focus on the implementation of the actuarial-based risk assessment tool which is a standardised scoring tool and that there is a lack of implementation of the consensus-based assessment tool which is the assessment triangle adopted from the United Kingdom. The lack of utilisation of the consensus-based assessment tool seems to impact the ability of social workers to complete comprehensive assessments in relation to alleged child abuse and neglect cases. The findings in this study also revealed that there is a strong emphasis on the implementation of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and therefore, professional steps in assessment are not being implemented. This lack of implementation of steps in assessment has been linked to a lack of time due to high caseloads, shortage of organisational resources, shortage of resources, violence in communities, low educational levels in families, and a lack of experience and training of social workers in the implementation of assessment tools and procedures in child protection. Thus, it seems that current assessment practices, including strategies utilised in assessments, are possibly not tailored to the reality of the South African context and therefore pose further challenges to the execution of assessments. It can be concluded that the ability to execute comprehensive assessments will not improve without the improvement of community resources (facilities) and organisational resources (cars, computers, office space, funds and manpower). These resources are necessary to improve the delivery of social services, including the execution of assessments with children and families in order to protect the rights of children to care and protection. Apart from having to address the issue of resources, it is recommended that social workers be provided with sufficient training concerning the implementation of assessment tools and procedures in child protection. Finally, there could be also a need to revise and adapt the current assessment tools to suite the South African context.
Attachment in the stepfamily : a social work perspective
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-03) Corrie, Lesley; Green, S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since demographers are predicting that by the year 2010 stepfamilies will be the most prevalent type of family in the USA, it is not surprising that stepfamily members in South Africa also constitute a significant proportion of the clients of therapists, counsellors and social workers. From a developmental approach the present study examined attachment in stepfamilies with children in middle childhood. The literature review was focused on research fmdings related to the issues examined in the study. Information was collected using multiple informants and multiple methods. These included interviews, questionnaires and checklists of attachment behaviour symptoms. Because differences in perspectives were expected, information was sought from parents and target children in order to obtain a broad view of family attachment. The research design was qualitative and quantitative in nature. The main fmdings revealed that, although stepfamily members considered their families to be attached, factors such as the stepparent-stepchild relationship, length of marriage and unrealistic expectations had a negative influence on attachment. Findings confirm that attachment to the parents remain the primary source of security and that the child's willingness to participate in the partnership, influence attachment. The results clearly demonstrate that the children did not necessarily hold similar perceptions of the attachment in the family as the parents. Attachment theory provided a framework for understanding the complexities in stepfamily relationships. A synopsis of social work intervention with stepfamilies was developed based on an extensive literature study. Structured techniques within the five forms of play were used to consciously replicate healthy parent-child relationships in order to facilitate attachment. A central feature of the interventions discussed, is the active participation of the parent with whom the child is expected to learn to form an attachment relationship.
Australian university students and mental health : viewpoints from the literature
(Primrose Hall Publishing Group, 2017) Carter, Margaret Anne; Pagliano, Paul; Francis, Abraham; Thorne, Marcia
With more than 1.3 million students currently attending Australian universities and an estimated 20% of these experiencing a mental illness it is time this issue received more focused attention. Despite a number of initiatives being conducted there is a still lack of research that provides a comprehensive overview on the mental health of Australian university students which considers the policy landscape designed to support student learning. This research attempts to help fill that gap by providing a purposeful audit of the relevant literature. Specific material examined includes peer reviewed journal articles published within the past five years, the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education (2008), and presentations from six keynote speakers at the 2017 Inaugural Australasian Mental Health and Higher Education Conference (IAMHHEC). Findings reveal that, despite student mental health being a widely recognised global concern, well developed policies still need to be developed to guide future approaches. What is known is good mental health is necessary for students to reach their full potential and universities are well positioned with expertise, structural and human assets to make a positive difference. Policies and action demand attention with a unified strategic approach across the Australian and international higher education sector essential.
Autoethnographic view of South African social work educators during the Covid-19 pandemic : highlighting social (in)justice
(Department of Social Work, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 2021-10) Perumal, Nevashnee; Pillay, Roshini; Zimba, Zibonele France; Sithole, Mbongeni; Van der Westhuizen, Marichen; Khosa, Priscalia; Nomngcoyiya, Thanduxolo; Mokone, Malebo; September, Uwarren
COVID-19 has exposed the inequalities and polarisation of South African communities and institutions of higher learning on the continuum of privilege. As nine social work educators, we share our reflections on how we traversed the higher education space during the beginning of the pandemic, using an autoethnography lens, with the pedagogy of discomfort and critical social work theory as the threads in the complex tapestry of our stories. We describe our orientations as social work educators, the successes, challenges, and recommendations on reimagining and reframing learning and teaching in relation to student-institutional relationships, boundaries and support.
The availability and accessibility of aftercare services for recovering adult addicts in the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-03) Jacobs, Danyschka; Slabbert, Ilze; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Globally, substance abuse is on the rise. In South Africa, however, substance abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Social workers in South Africa have been tasked to address and combat substance abuse along a continuum of care, by providing prevention, intervention, and aftercare services. In this context, this study aims to explore the availability and accessibility of aftercare services to recovering adult addicts in the Western Cape, South Africa. The goal of the research study was to explore the availability of and accessibility to aftercare services for recovering adult addicts within South Africa with a distinct focus on the Western Cape. The purpose of the research was to investigate whether or not there were sufficient availability of services and accessibility to aftercare treatment for recovering adult addicts in order to provide them with protective factors needed to maintain sobriety. The research study utilised and referred to the biopsychosocial model as its theoretical underpinning in analysing the needs of recovering addicts across biological, psychological, social, and cultural domains. This was also applied to see if the accessibility and availability of aftercare services met these biopsychosocial needs. The service users that was investigated were recovering adult addicts. A qualitative approach alongside purposive sampling was utilised to investigate and explore the experience of these service users in terms of their perception regarding the availability and accessibility of aftercare services once they have left treatment. The information was collected with the use of semi-structured interviews guided by an interview schedule. The interviews were conducted along ethical-based practices by ensuring that informed consent was obtained from all 16 participants prior to the interviews being conducted. Confidentiality was respected and maintained throughout the study and debriefing services were available at all times. These participants were selected via a criteria of inclusion, namely that they were at that stage all entering the aftercare phase of treatment and had to have direct knowledge and experience about the accessibility and availability of these services in their communities. The interviews were conducted via Zoom video calls, given that face-to-face interviews were not possible due to Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown regulations. Once the data reached saturation, the interviews were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. The data was categorised into themes, sub-themes, and categories. The four themes identified were the biological challenges, psychological challenges, social challenges and cultural challenges in relation to the accessibility and availability of aftercare services. The data of the study underwent a verification process ensuring the validity of the study through safeguarding the credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability of the data obtained. The researcher furthermore explored the relevant literature, together with the policy and legislative frameworks pertaining to the accessibility to and availability of aftercare services in South Africa. These findings were then analysed in light of the empirical investigation to gain knowledge on the lived social experiences of recovering addicts in attempting to access available aftercare services in their communities in the Western Cape. After examining the literature and empirical findings, the researcher was able to provide applicable conclusions and recommendations. It is evident from this research study that recovering adult addicts experience numerous structural, systemic and attitudinal barriers regarding the accessibility and availability of aftercare services, especially amongst the disadvantaged communities of the Western Cape. It is recommended that a concerted effort be made by non-profit organisations as well as government departments to render and establish the availability and accessibility of aftercare services to all communities and recovering addicts in the Western Cape. It is also recommended that further research be conducted on the accessibility to and availability of aftercare services across South Africa. Finally, it is recommended that further research on the actual implementation of policies and legislative frameworks in light of aftercare treatment in South Africa, be explored.
Bedryfs-maatskaplike werk by plaaslike owerhede in die Kaapse Skiereiland
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Powrie, Anon Hugh Ferdinand; Weekes, M. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the present functioning of occupational social work at local governments in the Cape Peninsula. In order to realise this aim, an exploratory study was undertaken. In this study the historical development of occupational social work, internationally as well as in the South African context, was investigated. From the investigation it became apparent that there is a difference in the pattern between the historical development of occupational social work internationally and in the South African context. In South Africa industrialization occurred almost a century later than in the European countries and the development of occupational social work was further hampered by the political system of separate development. The organizational context of occupational social work practice as well as the roles, functions, knowledge and skills of the occupational social worker were discussed. It is essential that the occupational social worker should not only have insight into the structural and functional aspects of organizations, but should also have the know how to apply this knowledge base to promote social work services in the workplace. Although the roles, functions, knowledge and skills of the occupational social worker are relatively similar to those of social workers in other fields of practice, it is also evident that this field requires more specialized skills and knowledge. Attention was given to social work supervision and management in the occupational context and it became apparent that in the occupational context, social work supervision and management are influenced by a variety of organizational factors. Supervision is extremely important to local governments because it provides the opportunity for these organizations to guide the service delivery of the social workers in a scientific and responsible manner. Lastly the structure and functioning of local governments were discussed with specific reference to occupational social work. The emergence of occupational social work at local governments in the Cape Peninsula as well as the Employee Assistance Program policy and the substance dependency treatment policy of local governments were also discussed. An empirical investigation was undertaken after the literature study, in which eight occupational social workers as well as their six managers at local governments in the Cape Peninsula participated. The questionnaire was used as the technique for data collection. On the basis of the conclusion and findings of this study, certain recommendations on the practical implementation of occupational social work policy and the process of supervision for local governments in the Cape Peninsula are made at the end of the report.
Beginner maatskaplike werkers se ervaring van volwasseneonderrig in supervisie
(2019-12) Brandt, Shanell; Engelbrecht, Lambert Karel; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The declining quality in South African supervision practice and social service delivery is attributed to the shortage of competent and trained supervisors as well as the lack of supervision. The failure of social work supervision is often attributed to inadequate education during supervision. The education function in supervision of especially novice social workers is essential for effective and quality service delivery. Despite this, the education function is neglected during supervision while the administrative function takes precedence. The social work practice mainly utilizes a traditional education process that is based on pedagogical principles. This process is by no means relevant to adults and thus (beginner) social workers' learning needs. Adult education, also known as andragogy, is fundamental to the supervision of social workers to ensure that quality services are provided to service consumers. Existing literature shows that social workers and supervisors are unfamiliar with this important and indispensable aspect of supervision. Against this background the research study aimed to gain a better understanding of novice social workers' experience of adult education during supervision. A qualitative research approach was used to explore novice social workers' experience of adult education during supervision. The study utilized both an exploratory and descriptive research design to obtain detailed information and insight into the participants' experience. For the purpose of this study, snowball sampling method was used to recruit participants. A semi-structured interview schedule was followed during interviews with 20 participants. This research report consists of five chapters. Chapter one provides an introduction to the research study, followed by chapters two and three that represent the literature review of the study. Chapter two describes the supervision process and social work context of novice social workers, while chapter three provides a description of adult education within the context of supervision. Chapter four of this research study presents the empirical study, and Chapter five the conclusions and recommendations. Key findings and conclusions from the study highlight the absence of education and the lack of application of adult education principles during supervision. It seems that pedagogy, rather than andragogy, is supervisors' approach to education. The supervision practice in social welfare organizations neglects the education function that especially disadvantages novice social workers' growth and development in the profession as well as the quality of service they deliver to service consumers. Influences of neoliberalism and a managerial approach in social work practice mean that social work supervision in welfare organizations is not regular and structured. Informal supervision (on the run) has become increasingly common in social welfare organizations and contributes to the decline in quality service delivery. Supervisors in the social supervision practice do not follow a supervision process during which novice social workers are assessed and consequently a personal development plan is not compiled to determine the growth and development of the worker. Supervision in the social work practice is experienced negatively and not performed as prescribed by standards of the South African Supervision Framework.
Die behoefte aan ondersteuning van vroue in landelike gebiede wat by intiemepaargeweld betrokke is : 'n ekologiese perspektief
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Van Breda, Edna Elizabeth; Green, Sulina; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Intimate partner violence is world wide and in South Africa an increasing social problem that leads to life-threatening history of injuries and psychosocial problems. Intimate partner violence is a global phenomenon prevalent in all socio-economic, race, religion, cultural and geographical boundaries. Although women with a lack or low income is more at risk of intimate partner violence and this reinforces their dependency of the intimate partner violence relationship. The largest percentage of South Africa’s poor population lives in rural areas that make them more vulnerable for social problems because of their lack of adequate resources. Women in rural areas involved with intimate partner violence are physically isolated from a supportive social network and must travel far distances to gain access to formal support resources. The goal of the study is to gain an understanding of the support needs of women in rural areas that are involved in intimate partner violence from an ecological perspective. To achieve this goal, the objectives are: to explain the nature, extent and origin of intimate partner violence as a social problem; to discuss the relevance of the ecological perspective as a theoretical framework regarding the analyses of intimate partner violence; to describe the support needs of women in rural areas that is involved in intimate partner violence; to investigate the experience of women in rural areas that is involved in intimate partner violence regarding the availability of support; and to offer recommendations regarding the promotion of the support needs for women in rural areas that is expose to intimate partner violence. Combinations of a quantitative and qualitative research approach were used in the study. The study further assumed an exploratory and descriptive research design due to the lack of information on support that is available to women in rural areas that are involved in intimate partner violence. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. Data was gathered by means of a semi-structured questionnaire, which was administered during 20 individual interviews. This allowed for a holistic view of the participants beliefs about, or perceptions of the topic. The design of the questionnaire was based on the information obtained from the literature review. The findings of the empirical investigation mainly confirmed the findings of the literature study that those women in rural areas that are involved in intimate partner violence support needs, from multiple levels of the ecological perspective. This support entails both informal and formal support resources which vary from concrete, informational to emotional support in order to cope with stressful life situations. The most important recommendations resulting from the study indicate that social workers must use an ecological approach during service rendered to women in rural areas that are involved in intimate partner violence. This approach can be used to identify and strengthen support resources on a micro, meso, exo and macro system level. The study further indicate that social workers must collaborate with different government sectors such as health care, police and law enforcement in order to create a multi professional team that focus on the social functioning of families and the community as a entity. Social workers that render intervention services to women in rural areas that are exposed to intimate partner violence should focus on all levels of social work intervention. The recommendation emphasises the importance of women and the communities’ awareness regarding intimate partner violence to promote women independency and to promote and facilitate support groups.
Behoeftes van gesinne waar ’n kind met kanker gediagnoseer is : persepsies van maatskaplike werkers
(Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, 2018) Slabbert, Ilze; Steenkamp, Terika
As ŉ kind met kanker gediagnoseer word, is dit nooit maklik om te verwerk nie. Die hele gesinsisteem ervaar ontwrigting om by sodanige diagnose aan te pas, en almal ervaar sekere behoeftes in hierdie situasie. Vir hierdie studie is die sisteemteorie gekies as teoretiese raamwerk om die verskillende behoeftes van die subsisteme in die gesin te eksploreer en te verken. Die doel van die studie was om die persepsies van maatskaplike werkers te ondersoek oor die behoeftes van gesinne waar ŉ kind met kanker gediagnoseer is. ŉ Kwalitatiewe studie is onderneem en etiese klaring is daarvoor verkry. Agtien deelnemers van ses verskillende hospitale en hospiese landwyd het aan die studie deelgeneem. Doelbewuste steekproefneming is gedoen. Data is ingesamel aan die hand van ŉ semi-gestruktureerde onderhoudskedule. Drie temas is geïdentifiseer, naamlik die behoefte aan inligting, ondersteuning en kommunikasie. Relevante subtemas is ook geïdentifiseer. Die gevolgtrekking kan gemaak word dat die gesinsisteem waar ŉ kind met kanker gediagnoseer is, sekere behoeftes ervaar waarvan maatskaplike werkers bewus moet wees ten einde effektiewe dienslewering aan hierdie gesinne te bied.
'n Behuisingsopname in die munisipale gebied van Stellenbosch
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1900) Heydorn, Gertrud E. C.; Theron, E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
No abstract available.
'n Behuisingsopname van nie-blanke plaasarbeiders werksaam by 102 uitvoerdruiwe boere in die distrik Paarl
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1953-12) Kirsten, Annalene J.; Theron, Erika; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
No Abstract Available
Die belewenisse en sosio-emosionele behoeftes van familielede as primere VIGS-versorgers binne 'n ekologiese perspektief : 'n kwalitatiewe studie
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Terblanche, Hester Helena; Green, Sulina; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Due to a lack of research, which, in turn, resulted in a shortage of applicable literature that focused on the experiences and socio-emotional needs of family members as carers of AIDS-patients, the researcher decided to undertake this research project. The aim of this was to investigate the experiences and socio-emotional needs of family members as AIDS care givers. To lead the research, the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach. Attention was also given to the description of HIV/AIDS, as well as the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The impact of HIV/AIDS was also given attention, and it was done from an ecological perspective. Within the qualitative research paradigm a phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. The boundaries for data collection were delineated to the George area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with family members who acted as primary care givers of AIDS-patients who were recruited by means of purposive sampling and the snowball sampling technique. The data collected were analysed according to the steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Cresswell, 1994). To ensure the trustworthiness of the research findings, data verification was executed according to Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991). The following twelve themes emanated from the process of data analysis: - Knowledge of the disease - Caring for people with AIDS - Risky behaviour - Other people’s reactions - Care givers’ feelings and reactions - Support that was received with the care giving - Effect of the care giving on the relationship between the care giver and the patient - Changes in the care givers’ life because of the care giving of AIDS patients - Experiences regarding the dying process - Needs regarding the caring of the patient - Services that are needed - Advice from the participants to other family members as AIDS care givers. The following recommendations were made based on the conclusions derived from the research findings: Information sessions by Social Workers in collaboration with the different clinics on certain days; a community based project to recruit volunteers to support family care givers on a regular basis; look at facilities, like old age homes and hospices, that can give respite for a week to three weeks; connect family care givers to support groups in the community; make use of the media to give information regarding HIV/AIDS to the broader community; a centralized food and clothes bank from which care givers can draw affordable food and clothes. An application for funding can be done at the Department of Social Development or the Department of Health. Another recommendation that is made is to investigate the possibility of a community based project that provides cleaning and washing services to family members as care givers, as well as the patients. This can even become a job creation project. Other recommendations are: to investigate an alternative form of transport that is wheelchair accessible and patient friendly; to train home based carers to help family members as AIDS care givers; to train home based carers to be of assistance with counseling of patients with regard to their medication; to train home based carers as AIDS care givers to help family members to reach out to other support services or groups; that care givers should be careful about expectations of other people and that they should be confident enough to verbalize their expectations; that Social Workers should investigate if the family member, as AIDS care giver, as well as the patient, gets the necessary support on all levels of the ecological perspective, and if not, he/she must look at ancillary sources and mobilize it to give support to the family care giver as well as to the patient; that professionals need to keep in mind the advice the participants was given to other family members as care givers when they are working with these families. A recommendation was also made to do a follow-up research on the same topic in the White, Indian and Black communities and especially that further emphasis should be placed on their needs, as participation by this population groups were scarce or could not be obtained at all.
Die bemagtiging van vrywilligers by ‘n geloofsgebaseerde organisasie
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Van der Lingen, Jolanda; Green, Sulina; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
The welfare of communities depends to a large extent on the successful mobilisation of the voluntary contributions (manpower, time, money) by religious based organisations. Poverty and all the other social problems like unemployment and HIV/AIDS, that are associated with it, can only be addressed effectively if volunteers are empowered by social workers to handle the problems in a sustaining way (Annual report, Unit for Religion Development Research: 2002). In order to empower the volunteers, it is important that social workers understand their role in the empowerment process. The aim of the study is to clarify the task of the social worker regarding the empowerment of volunteers at religious based organisations. This study is a descriptive study, seeing that the empowerment of volunteers are described at the end of the research (Mouton, 2001:54). The study also contains elements of an exploring (investigation) study, seeing that the situation has been explored in practice. After completion of a literate study, an empirical investigation was done with the aim to investigate principles of empowerment in practice. For the purpose of this study, the universe is regarded as the social workers who work at religious based organisations in the working area of the Valcare Trust. Deliberate selection, according to the non-probability test sampling as described by Babbie and Mouton (2001:166-168) was used to obtain the test sample. The type of test sample selection is applicable where the researcher is conversant with the research problem and the universe (Rubin and Babbie, 1993). Deliberate selection is therefore based on the researcher’s judgement and the aim of the study (Rubin and Babbie, 1993). The researcher is well conversant with the universe, seeing that the social workers are working at religious based organisations that are registered on the database of the Valcare Trust. Questionnaires, consisting of structured questions were compiled after completion of the literate study for the purpose of the empirical study. The self administered questionnaires were supplied to the respondents. Thirteen respondents took part in the empirical study.
’n Benadering tot finansiële kwesbaarheidsreduksie : FinansiEle geletterdheidsopvoeding binne ’n maatskaplike ontwikkelingsparadigma
(Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, 2009-05) Engelbrecht, L. K.
A significant number of people in South Africa who are accommodated within the social welfare system, display a lack of understanding of financial matters and are therefore financially vulnerable. In South Africa, social welfare policy initiatives are directed by the White Paper for Social Welfare and are primarily focussed on the socio-economic needs of all South Africans, specifically those of the previously disadvantaged and poor people of the country. This White Paper which supplies a macro-policy framework for poverty alleviation, is based on social development theories, combining social and economic objectives. Practitioners of social development however, deal with financially vulnerable people on a daily basis, and within the social development paradigm, must attempt to set into operation the development goals on the micro-practice level. This matter informs the objective of this article, namely to construct an approach to fi nancial vulnerability reduction within a social development paradigm. This could make a contribution to the country’s strategy against poverty. In this article the South African social development paradigm will be placed in its proper context, after which fi nancial vulnerability and financial literacy education will be explored and described and also examined as a practice reality by means of an instrumental qualitative case study. Participants in the case study consisted of ten registered social workers employed at an established non-government organisation (NGO). Purposive non-probability sampling was used to select the participants, as these social development practitioners could offer expert opinions on the subject. This particular NGO delivers social development services in several provinces and like other NGOs should adhere to the financial policy of the Department of Social Development. The aim of the case study was to explore how development practitioners perceive and experience the fi nancial vulnerability of their service users (clients) within a social development paradigm as practice reality in South Africa. This goal was attained through the explorative and descriptive nature of the study. Semi-structured interviews were used as research instrument in order to elicit comments most effectively from the participants. Themes arising from the comments were processed and presented in synthesised form in the article, based on and integrated with the literature study, to ensure validity through triangulation. The case study was thus directed towards reaching the goal as set out in the article, as the fi ndings are to be construed as key elements of financial literacy education as an approach to reduce financial vulnerability within the local social development paradigm. The findings show that financial vulnerability reduction by means of financial literacy education is an appropriate micro-practice approach by social development practitioners to attain social development goals within the context of the organisation. This approach therefore provides social development practitioners with a definite, concrete role within the social development paradigm, as they are structurally positioned to deliver financial education to financially vulnerable service users. This can lay the foundation for successful income-generating projects to be implemented. This approach means that income-generating projects are initially of secondary importance, as the development practitioners are primarily focussed on enhancing fi nancial literacy as a life skill in the community. Traditionally this constitutes a major part of the intervention by social service professionals. The fundamental premise of this approach is that people’s financial vulnerability could be reduced, enabling them to manage looming fi nancial risks. Within the context of this study, financially vulnerable people refer to those users of social welfare services who have little or no continuous financial support, and do not have at their disposal the necessary resources to survive in times of financial distress. Financial vulnerability is viewed here not only from a monetary perspective, but also in terms of people’s limited capabilities. People are rendered vulnerable when they are unable to manage their money, which implies a lack of financial literacy, and usually manifests in unmanageable debt. Financially illiterate people are therefore in dire need of a set of indispensable life skills to survive in a globalising environment. These life skills are presented as part of an integrated generic social intervention process, implemented on individual, group and community level through financial literacy education. Within a social development paradigm, fi nancial literacy education is thus a micro-practice approach based on definite points of departure and perspectives in accordance with adult education principles. This education embraces the recognition and continuous, life-long learning of a set of multi-dimensional situation-relevant person-centred life skills within an indigenous cultural context, and is focussed on people’s ability to manage their available funds. Partnerships are established between development practitioners and fi nancial institutions, to serve as intervention resource for the presentation of financial literacy programmes. Development practitioners act as a bridge for dialogue between education programmes and vulnerable people and also ensure that financial literacy education programmes assume an appropriate position on a continuum of product marketing and general life skills. Financial education programmes aim to be preventative. The skills of financially vulnerable people are developed towards effective decision-making and having informed opinions about the use and management of money. Accordingly, and with due regard to the specific needs of financially vulnerable people, the content of education programmes is focussed on competencies relating to knowledge, values and skills in respect of financial concepts, financial self-discipline and how to avoid financial exploitation and risks. Acquisition of these values, knowledge and skills, results in a reduction in financial vulnerability, enabling people to participate with confi dence in the mainstream economy. This outcome could pave the way for further programmes aimed at income generation, serve as basis for people’s migration to the mainstream economy and could be reciprocally transposed to other life spheres. In this way economic and human development are integrated within a social intervention context and placed within reach of social development practitioners to facilitate. Role players should take cognizance of this.
'n Bendadering tot finansiele kwesbaarheidsreduksie : finansiele geletterdheidsopvoeding binne ’n maatskaplike ontwikkelingsparadigma
(ASSAF -- Academy of Science of South Africa, 2009-06) Engelbrecht, Lambert K.
A significant number of people in South Africa who are accommodated within the social welfare system, display a lack of understanding of financial matters and are therefore financially vulnerable. In South Africa, social welfare policy initiatives are directed by the White Paper for Social Welfare and are primarily focused on the socio-economic needs of all South Africans, specifically those of the previously disadvantaged and poor people of the country. This White Paper which supplies a macro-policy framework for poverty alleviation, is based on social development theories, combining social and economic objectives. Practitioners of social development however, deal with financially vulnerable people on a daily basis, and within the social development paradigm, must attempt to set into operation the development goals on the micro-practice level. This matter informs the objective of this article, namely to construct an approach to financial vulnerability reduction within a social development paradigm. This could make a contribution to the country’s strategy against poverty. In this article the South African social development paradigm will be placed in its proper context, after which financial vulnerability and financial literacy education will be explored and described and also examined as a practice reality by means of an instrumental qualitative case study. Participants in the case study consisted of ten registered social workers employed at an established non-government organisation (NGO). Purposive non-probability sampling was used to select the participants, as these social development practitioners could offer expert opinions on the subject. This particular NGO delivers social development services in several provinces and like other NGOs should adhere to the financial policy of the Department of Social Development. The aim of the case study was to explore how development practitioners perceive and experience the financial vulnerability of their service users (clients) within a social development paradigm as practice reality in South Africa.

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