Department of Social Work

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Browsing Department of Social Work by Subject "Abused children -- Services for"

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    Maatskaplike werkers se assessering van seksueel gemolesteerde kinders in hul middelkinderjare
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2001-12) Van Zyl, Elizabeth Jacoba; Green, S.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The purpose of the research for this assignment was to establish and provide guidelines as well as techniques according to which social workers, who are involved in family welfare organisations, will be able not only to assess molested children in their middle childhood, but also to plan and introduce the required intervention. To achieve the aforementioned, use was made of a literature survey in terms of which all aspects of sexual molestation that need to be considered whilst handling molested children as well as the phases and processes of assessing such molestations, are discussed. Techniques are also proposed according to which such assessments could be performed. Following this study the empirical research was utilised by means of exploratory and descriptive studies. To obtain the required information, data was collected by means of a postal (mail) questionnaire containing quantitative as well as qualitative questions. This research has shown that social workers do not regard themselves as adequately equipped in handling cases involving sexually molested children. Their (social workers) knowledge and skills in terms of the areas relating to service delivery came across as being poor. The respondents agreed that the shortage of resources restricted the referral of these cases. This results in social workers having to treat such cases themselves. It is apparent that knowledge regarding the handling of molested children is mostly gained by practical experience. Assessments are often carried out without the required theoretical background. This contributes to findings and actions taken not always being scientifically substantiated, resulting in a lack of professional conduct. The study also shows that the training and conduct of social workers, especially as it relates to the assessing of sexually molested children which could lead to statutory action in terms of the Children's Status Act 82 of 1987 (as amended) as well as the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957, are lacking. No clear guidelines and policy are stipulated in this instance by the family welfare organisations. Based on the findings of this research the deduction is made that social workers, despite the statutory obligation they have towards a sexually molested child, do not possess the necessary skills or are not equipped with the competence required to execute the task on hand. In this regard social workers have a significant need to learn and be given the required competence, as organisations and tertiary institutions currently do not equip them adequately or effectively. Recommendations relative to the assessment of sexually molested children have been made to tertiary institutions, organisations and social workers. Opportunities for further research are also indicated.
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    Perspektief van maatskaplike werkers oor die assessering by die lewering van kinderbeskermingsdienste
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) Kotze, Anje; Strydom, Marianne; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Social Work.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: African social workers rendering social service, typically focus more on child protection services and statutory work and less so on the family. For quality services to be rendered, the social worker’s primary task must be to assess the family on a holistic manner. Services cannot be rendered if assessment is not completed correctly. Social work policy and legislation are the guiding principles to service delivery to vulnerable families. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as amended 41 of 2007, forces social workers to render services to vulnerable families (Republic of South Africa, 1996). Child neglect and abuse is one of the biggest problems in the world and therefore children should be protected. This study investigates the perspectives about assessment during the rendering of child protection services of social workers in the West Cape Metropole and surrounding areas. Firstly, a literature study was done to better understand the way in which social workers use social policy and legislation during child protection services. Secondly, the use of the ecological approach during the rendering of child protection services to families was investigated. Finally a literature study explains the assessments done when rendering child protection services as well as the challenges that social workers have to face whilst rendering these services in the social work sector. This study primarily followed a qualitative approach, however a quantity approach was used where the identification details of respondents were asked. This study also used both an exploratory and a descriptive research design that provide more in-depth descriptions and results of the investigation. The researcher also made use of a semi-structured interview schedule to interview the twenty respondents on the perspectives of social workers on assessment during the rendering of child protection services. Important findings of this study were that even though South African policies and legislation both guide child protection services, the respondents in this study experienced different types of obstacles in practice. The study also shows that the respondents interpret the policies and legislation differently. A further finding was that respondents indicated that risks have different meanings for social workers and families. Current risk assessments are therefore difficult to implement because workers did not receive any formal training. Respondents also found that sufficient specialised training about assessments during the rendering of child protection services is not available and that this influences the quality of the assessment as well as the decision to remove the child. Further findings were that respondents did not use or interpret theory during assessment in child protection services. South African social workers rendering child protection services to vulnerable families at child and family organisations need to receive specialised training and learn how to apply literature. It is the South African government’s responsibility to provide access to funds for child protection agencies to help agencies in their struggle to provide a better quality of social work services to protect vulnerable families.