Open Access journal ISSN (Print) 0037-8054 - ISSN (Online) 2312-7198 This journal is no longer being updated because: the publisher no longer provides RSS feeds
Authors:Lambert K Engelbrecht Pages: i - i Abstract: This second edition in 2023 of Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk offers eight articles with themes centred on social work during the hitherto unknown Covid-19 pandemic, child protection, supervision in different contexts and substance abuse respectively. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1108 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Noreth Muller-Kluits, Ilze Slabbert Pages: 1 - 23 Abstract: The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted various sectors, including social work services to persons with physical disabilities. This qualitative study focused on the experiences of adults with an acquired physical disability who needed social work support. To understand these experiences, an ecological perspective was utilised as a theoretical basis. The study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown experienced internationally, including in South Africa. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be challenging for persons with disabilities, specifically in terms of isolation, lack of resources and economic distress. Recommendations for future interventions to address the social needs of adults with a physical disability in disaster situations such as COVID-19 are also presented. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1114 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Ajwang’ Warria, Kerry-Jane Coleman, Cyndirela Chadambuka Pages: 24 - 42 Abstract: Maintaining therapeutic care of learners during and after COVID-19 in South Africa has required significant changes to the way that counselling is provided in schools. While some of these changes are well documented, there are critical gaps regarding the experiences of school counsellors during the pandemic period, globally and in South Africa. Hence this qualitative study sought to explore the experiences of school psychosocial practitioners who are rendering supportive services in private schools in KwaZulu-Natal Province. While the findings show that remote/online therapy is a valid option, all schools should ensure that therapists have adequate resources and the necessary collaboration to provide effective services to the school community. Furthermore, interpersonal, organisational, practice, policy and advocacy-oriented adaptations are required in establishing transformative interventions in all schools to address trauma. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1121 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors: Kagisho Phaswana, Elizabeth Erlank Pages: 43 - 63 Abstract: Effective social work services in child and youth care centres (CYCCs) depend on how social workers deal with the associated experiences and challenges. This study explored social workers’ experiences and challenges in rendering services in CYCCs in the Tshwane municipal district. A qualitative research approach employing the phenomenological design was adopted, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings confirmed that social workers have various positive and negative experiences and face multiple challenges in rendering services in CYCCs. Several suggestions to improve service delivery in CYCCs are made. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1034 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Marinei Herselman, Ulene Schiller , Pius Tanga Pages: 64 - 87 Abstract: Decades of research have highlighted the challenges facing child protection services in a developmental approach. The aim of the article is to explore whether the developmental social welfare approach contributes to an improvement of child protection services. A descriptive case study design was applied in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The findings revealed limited knowledge among social work practitioners about the implementation of the developmental social welfare approach. The findings also revealed an overwhelmed child protection system that lacks coordinated and integrated services. It is recommended that child protection services be divided into prevention, early intervention and statutory services. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1123 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Nomvuyo Lukelelo, Nicolette Roman, Catherina Schenck Pages: 88 - 108 Abstract: Children are often left orphaned and without adult supervision when the parent or caregiver dies from HIV and AIDS-related illnesses. There is very little information available in South Africa on the type of interventions to reinforce the care and support provided to children affected by HIV and AIDS (CABHA). This study aimed to explore existing interventions provided to CABHA and the experiences of social workers in implementing interventions. Findings indicate that interventions are a continuous and collaborative process between social workers and stakeholders. A proper needs assessment should be done before implementing interventions to ensure that they benefit the children identified as needing intervention. Community-based interventions should not be underestimated as a significant source of support for CABHA. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1048 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Jessica Ronaasen, Lambert K Engelbrecht Pages: 109 - 126 Abstract: Early Childhood Development (ECD) has become a priority area of social work, in both developed and developing countries. In this article, the term ECD supervisors refers to the social workers working with ECD centres in the capacity of supervisor. These social workers can provide valuable insight into the unique management tasks and associated professional development areas uniquely required when working in the ECD sector. The goal of this conceptual article is to identify these professional development areas of management tasks required from social workers who supervise ECD centres. Ultimately, these management tasks are synthesised into three categories, namely tasks which require technical, relational and administrative skills respectively. This is an attempt to preserve the institutional memory of South African social workers, given the current shift of ECD governance functions from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1124 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Mbongeni Shadrack Sithole, Allucia Lulu Shokane Pages: 127 - 149 Abstract: The blurring of the boundaries and interconnectedness between learning and work are features worth exploring in the contemporary supervision landscape. Grounded on transition-experiential learning theories, the study analysed a social service organisation as a context for learning and examined how this context facilitated or inhibited supervision learning experiences for first-time supervisors. It draws on the qualitative findings of thirteen in-depth interviews whose data were analysed using the thematic analysis. This study found that the transitioning of first-time supervisors into the new role took place through their active participation in an organisational context. It concludes with the notion that workplace learning is a context-specific and interactive process. The social service organisation, with its unique features, serves the purpose of providing an environment for learning, with first-time supervisors afforded the opportunity to learn within the context and through interaction with other role-players. In summary, the study recommends a need for fostering of communities of practice, designing and management of workplace learning programmes, and ensuring the creation of sustainable and healthy workplaces. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1125 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
Authors:Noxolo Chairmaine Minenhle Zwane, Stephan Geyer Pages: 150 - 170 Abstract: National data indicate that young adults are increasingly vulnerable to the harmful use of nyaope –an illicit drug. Consequently, there is a need for appropriate treatment services. This study aimedto explore and describe the experiences of nyaope users regarding therapeutic services at privatein-patient treatment centres in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative study operationalised througha case study design, specifically an instrumental case study, involved 11 cases/participants whowere recruited through a three-phase non-probability sampling process at treatment centres in twoGauteng metropoles. Following a method of reflexive thematic analysis, four themes withassociated sub-themes, are reported. Recommendations focus on tailored service delivery attreatment centres and addressing limitations in policies. PubDate: 2023-06-28 DOI: 10.15270/59-2-1126 Issue No:Vol. 59, No. 2 (2023)
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