Department of Social Work

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Psychosocial variables in the transmission of AIDS
(University of the Western Cape, 1991) Perkel, Adrian Keith; Broekmann, N.
In the decade since first identified, the Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become a serious global disease. The nature of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, whereby a carrier may be asymptomatic yet remain infectious, has enabled its dramatic spread. The number of AIDS cases is increasing exponentially, averaging a doubling time of between 8-15 months in different countries. Of the millions of HIV carriers, it is now estimated that all will eventually go on to develop full-blown AIDS and probably die within 15 years. Unlike other infectiqus diseases, there is currently no known vaccine or cure. Further, HIV is now virtually completely dependent on volitional sexual behaviours for transmission to occur. It is therefore an entirely preventable disease. However, since the behaviours that contribute to HIV-transmission are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, their alteration in line with safer sexual practices has been shown to be considerably complex and difficult. Intervention strategies that have relied on imparting knowledge about the disease have achieved limited success in influencing behaviour change. Unsafe sexual practices, and the risk of HIV-infection, often continue even when knowledge regarding prevention is adequate. It has therefore become apparent that other variables intrude which may mediate between knowledge acquisition, attitude formation, and consequent sexual behaviours. There appear to be no models which adequately explain the complexities in this area, and which enable adequate intervention strategies to be developed. The present study was undertaken to redress this problem, and to explore those variables that mediate in the area. Various psychological and social factors appear to be implicated in influencing sexual attitudes and behaviours. In order to adequately test the impact of psychosocial variables that were found to have significant associations in an exploratory study, a measuring instrument was developed. The AIDS Psychosocial Scale was statistically validated using content, frequency, factor, and reliability analyses and included psychological factors of self concept, defenses of denial, repression, and rationalisation, perceived empowerment in the form of locus of control and selfefficacy, and the social factor of peer pressure susceptibility. The impact of these psychosocial variables on indices of knowledge, condom attitude, and sexual practices, and on other epidemiological variables was tested using a sample of students at the University of the Western Cape (n=308). Results indicated a number of correlational and causal links between variables, confirming the mediational role psychosocial factors have in influencing knowledge acquisition, attitude formation, and behaviour outcome. A profile of lower self concept, higher defenses, lower self-efficacy, more external locus of control, and higher peer pressure susceptibility emerged which was associated with poorer knowledge, more negative attitudes, and higher unsafe sex. Based on this study, a model of psychosocial mediation is developed and its implications for intervention strategies discussed.
Psychosocial variables in the transmission of AIDS
(University of the Western Cape, 1991) Perkel, Adrian Keith; Broekmann, N.
In the decade since first identified, the Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become a serious global disease. The nature of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, whereby a carrier may be asymptomatic yet remain infectious, has enabled its dramatic spread. The number of AIDS cases is increasing exponentially, averaging a doubling time of between 8-15 months in different countries. Of the millions of HIV carriers, it is now estimated that all will eventually go on to develop full-blown AIDS and probably die within 15 years. Unlike other infectiqus diseases, there is currently no known vaccine or cure. Further, HIV is now virtually completely dependent on volitional sexual behaviours for transmission to occur. It is therefore an entirely preventable disease. However, since the behaviours that contribute to HIV-transmission are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, their alteration in line with safer sexual practices has been shown to be considerably complex and difficult. Intervention strategies that have relied on imparting knowledge about the disease have achieved limited success in influencing behaviour change. Unsafe sexual practices, and the risk of HIV-infection, often continue even when knowledge regarding prevention is adequate. It has therefore become apparent that other variables intrude which may mediate between knowledge acquisition, attitude formation, and consequent sexual behaviours. There appear to be no models which adequately explain the complexities in this area, and which enable adequate intervention strategies to be developed. The present study was undertaken to redress this problem, and to explore those variables that mediate in the area. Various psychological and social factors appear to be implicated in influencing sexual attitudes and behaviours. In order to adequately test the impact of psychosocial variables that were found to have significant associations in an exploratory study, a measuring instrument was developed. The AIDS Psychosocial Scale was statistically validated using content, frequency, factor, and reliability analyses and included psychological factors of self concept, defenses of denial, repression, and rationalisation, perceived empowerment in the form of locus of control and selfefficacy, and the social factor of peer pressure susceptibility. The impact of these psychosocial variables on indices of knowledge, condom attitude, and sexual practices, and on other epidemiological variables was tested using a sample of students at the University of the Western Cape (n=308). Results indicated a number of correlational and causal links between variables, confirming the mediational role psychosocial factors have in influencing knowledge acquisition, attitude formation, and behaviour outcome. A profile of lower self concept, higher defenses, lower self-efficacy, more external locus of control, and higher peer pressure susceptibility emerged which was associated with poorer knowledge, more negative attitudes, and higher unsafe sex. Based on this study, a model of psychosocial mediation is developed and its implications for intervention strategies discussed.
Social workers in the transition of social welfare : A descriptive-dialogical enquiry
(University of the Western Cape, 1994) Ntebe, Ann Beatrice; Small, Adam
The time period of this study is the contemporary first half of the Nineties, a momentous time in the history of South Africa. The country is passing from apartheid (the "old" South Africa) to the hope of democracy (the "new" South Africa). Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President of South Africa in May 1994. Social workers, too, find themselves in transition. What is the thinking of experienced progressive social workers at this historical moment, concerning themselves and their profession within its context of social welfare as societal institution? This is the question I explore, specifically with reference to senior social workers within the area of greater Cape Town It is important to note that in terms of the research philosophy underlying this enquiry, the methodological process of the thesis is integral to its substance. My approach, along "New Paradigm" lines, is descriptive dialogical. Implicit in it is a "confrontation of the positivistic epistemology of 'The Scientific Method' in the misguided sense of an 'absolute and only' method of science, which unfortunately is still prevalent in standard practices of enquiry inside and outside the university" (see Note [i] at the end of this Summary). My thesis therefore offers not only outcomes but, as much as possible, also the process of the enquiry. A descriptive-dialogical approach also takes the idea of narrative seriously, "narrative being a mode that makes room for in fact, that insists on more than merely written presentation" (see Note [ii] at the end of this Summary). My research philosophy and methodology accommodate as far as possible "the whole academic and professional potential of a student, rather than just the student's writing potential" (see Note [iii] at the end of this Summary). In line with this, I submit as an accompaniment to this writing -- and as holistically intrinsic to this thesis -- a relevant video-recording and audio recordings illustrating myself at work in the execution of this study. In conclusion of this Summary I must indicate my promoter's and my own serious commitment to the possibility of creative indigenousness of academic style and presentation. This must be viewed within African and South African context, and it explains much of the "humanistically holistic" tenor of this study. This, of course, is in no way intended to discount the worthwhileness and substantiality, in fact the necessity for us, of recourse to the best tenets of European and Euro-American university tradition.
Participatory learning: a people centred way of working in community development
(Unisa Press, 1995) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Louw, Huma
In this article the authors propose a participatory learning approach to skill and knowledge acquisition in people centered community development knowing that it isn't always quick and easy but exciting and worth it.
A peoplecentred perspective on peoplecentred community development
(School of Social Work, Zimbabwe, 1995) Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Louw, Huma
This article uses the concept of 'people centredness' to stress the fact that development requires that the people themselves - who are meant to be the beneficiaries of development initiatives - be placed in the forefront and fully involved in any projects or programmes which aim to assist them. The authors see this people centred perspective as providing a new paradigm which is vital in the process of learning, growth and development If empowerment of local people is to be achieved, this requires their complete participation - which implies sharing and working together and most importantly, for outsiders working with them, to trust their skills and abilities. The author's stress that development can only take place when agencies provide the services that people really want, rather than imposing pre-conceived policies and programmes on people.
Praktykillustrasie van die vorming en terminering van n terapeutiese sisteem volgens ekosistemiese denke
(Unisa Press, 1996) Conradie, A.; Schenck, Catherina (Rinie); Collins, K.J.
This article presents an illustration of how an ecosystemic perspective was used in a family therapy case study. Two ecosystemic concepts were used to discuss the case study. They are: the language determination of the therapeutic system as described by Anderson & Goolishian 1988; and the therapeutic formula: stability/ change/meaningful noise as used by Keeney & Ross 1985. The value of the language determination of the system is that a system such as a family does not determine the therapeutic system but that the system is determined by a problem. The system exists as long as meaning is given by that problem. A therapeutic system can therefore be described as a problem-determined and a problem-solving system. The therapeutic change is a process of co-construction of ideas/meaning that simultaneously makes the co-construction of new realities possible for all members of the therapeutic system. One possible application of the ecosystemic perspective in social work practice is indicated.
A Critical Inquiry Into Social services of· South African Local Authorities with specific reference to Social Work
(University of the Western Cape, 1996) Middleton, Winston William; Kotze, Frans
The effective and efficient delivery of social services in South Africa has suffered as a result of the apartheid policies and practices. Now that we have legitimate political structures in our country, social workers in local authorities have the opportunity to take their rightful place in our social service delivery system. In order to enhance the quality of life in South Africa, we must ensure that people are not serviced at a distance. The broad intention of this study is to critically examine social work practice in local authorities in South Africa in order to identify the pertinent elements of a model of practice and to clarify the role of the local authority social worker. Five theoretical issues are identified within structural Marxism which was selected as the theoretical orientation for this study. These are the individual-society relationship, basic needs and services, social change, community participation and professionalism. The literature review of the h-uman services rendered by local authorities in the United Kingdom and the U.~nite-d-S-ta-tes of America, and in South Africa. of which there is a Raucity of research, sensi-ti-ze-d-the res-earcher to the-relevant issues and debates, and informed the empirical study.Ten (10) directors and fifty (50) social work practitioners of social services departments completed the mailed questionnaires. The response rate was, 24,39% and 27,47%, respectively. The empirical data has provided important information about the rationale and types of social services provided by local authorities in 1992-1993. To varying degrees, casework, group work, research and community work/development are practised. While the latter method was purported by many respondents to be their priority, casework was found to be the most popular method. These services were often provided because no other services existed in the area or were inaccessible. In most cases, the social services departments, unfortunately, did not have a mission statement nor terms of reference to guide their planning and interventions. As the majority of the South African population were excluded from the political process, local authority structures were discredited by many people and this caused anxiety among many practitioners and tensions with the communities. There was a high level of co-operation between social services departments and their respective health departments. The conclusions drawn from this study are that local authorities should provide social services through a comprehensive social services department which should include, among other, the health department; and that local government is an important site for the practice of developmental social work. Other researchers could build on this foundation so as to develop clearer policy and practice guidelines for this field of speciality.
A Critical Inquiry Into Social services of· South African Local Authorities with specific reference to Social Work
(University of the Western Cape, 1996) Middleton, Winston William; Kotze, Frans
The effective and efficient delivery of social services in South Africa has suffered as a result of the apartheid policies and practices. Now that we have legitimate political structures in our country, social workers in local authorities have the opportunity to take their rightful place in our social service delivery system. In order to enhance the quality of life in South Africa, we must ensure that people are not serviced at a distance. The broad intention of this study is to critically examine social work practice in local authorities in South Africa in order to identify the pertinent elements of a model of practice and to clarify the role of the local authority social worker. Five theoretical issues are identified within structural Marxism which was selected as the theoretical orientation for this study. These are the individual-society relationship, basic needs and services, social change, community participation and professionalism. The literature review of the h-uman services rendered by local authorities in the United Kingdom and the U.~nite-d-S-ta-tes of America, and in South Africa. of which there is a Raucity of research, sensi-ti-ze-d-the res-earcher to the-relevant issues and debates, and informed the empirical study.Ten (10) directors and fifty (50) social work practitioners of social services departments completed the mailed questionnaires. The response rate was, 24,39% and 27,47%, respectively. The empirical data has provided important information about the rationale and types of social services provided by local authorities in 1992-1993. To varying degrees, casework, group work, research and community work/development are practised. While the latter method was purported by many respondents to be their priority, casework was found to be the most popular method. These services were often provided because no other services existed in the area or were inaccessible. In most cases, the social services departments, unfortunately, did not have a mission statement nor terms of reference to guide their planning and interventions. As the majority of the South African population were excluded from the political process, local authority structures were discredited by many people and this caused anxiety among many practitioners and tensions with the communities. There was a high level of co-operation between social services departments and their respective health departments. The conclusions drawn from this study are that local authorities should provide social services through a comprehensive social services department which should include, among other, the health department; and that local government is an important site for the practice of developmental social work. Other researchers could build on this foundation so as to develop clearer policy and practice guidelines for this field of speciality.
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, William
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time; to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, W
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time: to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. Community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: • Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. • A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. Other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, W
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time: to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. Community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: • Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. • A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. Other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
Evaluation of the community participation process of build a better society (BABS) Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Jacobs, Laurence Peter; September, William
The study was undertaken of Build A Better Society (BABS) Western Cape because a comparison of the membership and public profile of the organisation from the time of its inception to recent times showed a decrease in its activities. Feasible explanations in changes in the political system and funding priorities could be established to account for the reduction in community participation. However, there is a lack of information on community organisation projects in this country and, until recently, a dearth of literature on the subject of community participation as very few projects have been systematically evaluated and published which could have provided another explanation for the decrease. Registered as a welfare organisation, BABS is regarded as one of the pioneering community work organisations in Cape Town. It became a model for several organisations in the Western Cape who adopted its philosophy and formally constituted as affiliates. The aims, therefore, of the study were to examine whether the programmes of the organisation were successful in eliciting community participation, the extent of this involvement and whether this involvement was sustained over time; to describe the efforts of the staff and members in applying the techniques and procedures inherent in the community participation process; to describe the impact of this process on affiliated organisations and to ascertain whether economic status or organisational structure had influenced the development of projects. The findings were to be compared to those of other studies. community participation, in the context of the study, occurs when people take part in programmes they desire and are able to sustain their interest after external support has been phased out. The research methodology involved two surveys: Interviews with the members and staff of BABS Western Cape in order to describe participation patterns and the impact of programmes on participants. A study of available data which profiled the BABS organisations, their goals and programmes. The data analysis was completed by the researcher. The findings indicate that community participation involved people becoming involved to a lesser or greater degree at different times in response to different issues. This suggested that there are several answers to the question raised in regard to the decrease in the activities of BABS. The findings also suggest that major problems facing deprived areas, such as crime and housing, are beyond the resources and scope of neighbourhood development agencies. Finally, the recommendations call for BABS, which no longer functions as a grassroots community development agency, to institute a process of termination with its former affiliates, to maximise the use of the Pegasus centre in Kewtown, and to continue in its new direction as a training organisation. other recommendations provide suggestions with regard to their community participation strategies to other organisations seeking to enter the field .
The development of a protocol for the management of child abuse and neglect
(1998)
The primary intent of this study was to seek solutions to the practical problems experienced by practitioners in their management of child abuse cases. A fundamental problem regarding the current management of child abuse is that there is no guarantee that a child entering the child protective system will be dealt with in terms of a set procedure and/or protected against further abuse. To address this problem in the Western Cape, the Intervention Research (IR) methodology (Rothman & Thomas, 1994) was used to develop a Protocol for the Multi-Disciplinary Management of Child Abuse and Neglect. The protocol was designed for agencies that intervene in instances of child abuse. It establishes criteria and procedures for interdisciplinary co-ordination and effective case management, delineates the professional roles and responsibilities and provides step-by-step intervention procedures.
The development of a protocol for the management child abuse and neglect
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Barnes-Septermber, Roseline, L; Sonn, Fanie; Kotze, Frans
The primary intent of this study was to seek solutions to the practical problems experienced by practitioners in their management of child abuse cases. A fundamental problem regarding the current management of child abuse is that there is no guarantee that a child entering the child protective system will be dealt with in terms of a set procedure and/or protected against further abuse. To address this problem in the Western Cape, the Intervention Research (IR) methodology (Rothman & Thomas, 1994) was used to develop a Protocol for the Multi- Disciplinary Management of Child Abuse and Neglect. IV The protocol was designed for agencies that intervene in instances of child abuse. It establishes criteria and procedures for interdisciplinary co-ordination and effective case management, delineates the professional roles and responsibilities and provides step-by-step intervention procedures. The Intervention Research Design and Development methodology provided a useful framework to apply social science research methods to child protective practice and policy reform. IR focuses on the design of practice guidelines for intervention and policy reform. It can be conducted in a diversity of practice settings and therefore enhances collaborative efforts and inter-agency exchange among practitioners and among practitioners and universities. The study evolved through six phases involving inter-as well as intra-disciplinary activities. These activities were guided by systematic and deliberate research procedures, techniques and instruments. The research phases included: problem analysis; information gathering and synthesis; the development and design of the protocol; testing the protocol through a process of workshops and finally, the launch and dissemination of the protocol. http://etd.uwc.ac.za A core element of the study was the active participation and collaboration of a broad range of key stakeholders, including: victims of child abuse, their families, service providers, and policy makers. The methods and instruments used were therefore designed to enhance participation and included interviews, workshops and observation of court processes. The bottom-up approach and collaborative design enhanced the level of contextual relevance, ownership and the commitment of stakeholders. As a demonstration of this commitment, the protocol has been endorsed by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Western Cape. The Department of Social Services has committed financial support to the project and is pilot testing it in three districts. The study cautions that protocols alone cannot eradicate and solve all the problems in the child protective field and asserts that there is an urgent and critical need to develop and to implement a National Strategy on Child Abuse. Such a National strategy should include legislation that supports and enforces all aspects of a national policy on child abuse. At minimum, national policy should ensure consistent political will and leadership. This means that broad statements about the obligations of politicians and state officials is not enough. These should be followed by specific accountability and measuring mechanisms for enforcement. State policy should also provide guidelines for standardized and appropriate working conditions, recruitment and training of staff. Furthermore, it should provide for a broad array of effective and accessible services to all children and families and the co-ordination of such services. Finally, legislation should include specific obligations regarding the appropriation of adequate and flexible funding to see that commitments made to children are realized
The development of a protocol for the management of child abuse and neglect
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Barnes-September, Roseline Lynnette; Sonn, F .
The primary intent of this study was to seek solutions to the practical problems experienced by practitioners in their management of child abuse cases. A fundamental problem regarding the current management of child abuse is that there is no guarantee that a child entering the child protective system will be dealt with in terms of a set procedure and/or protected against further abuse. To address this problem in the Western Cape, the Intervention Research (IR) methodology (Rothman & Thomas, 1994) was used to develop a Protocol for the Multi- Disciplinary Management of Child Abuse and Neglect. The protocol was designed for agencies that intervene in instances of child abuse. It establishes criteria and procedures for interdisciplinary co-ordination and effective case management, delineates the professional roles and responsibilities and provides step-by-step intervention procedures. The Intervention Research Design and Development methodology provided a useful framework to apply social science research methods to child protective practice and policy reform. IR focuses on the design of practice guidelines for intervention and policy reform. It can be conducted in a diversity of practice settings and therefore enhances collaborative efforts and inter-agency exchange among practitioners and among practitioners and universities. The study evolved through six phases involving inter-as well as intra-disciplinary activities. These activities were guided by systematic and deliberate research procedures, techniques and instruments. The research phases included: problem analysis; information gathering and synthesis; the development and design of the protocol; testing the protocol through a process of workshops and finally, the launch and dissemination of the protocol. A core element of the study was the active participation and collaboration of a broad range of key stakeholders, including: victims of child abuse, their families, service providers, and policy makers. The methods and instruments used were therefore designed to enhance participation and included interviews, workshops and observation of court processes. The bottom-up approach and collaborative design enhanced the level of contextual relevance, ownership and the commitment of stakeholders. As a demonstration of this commitment, the protocol has been endorsed by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Western Cape. The Department of Social Services has committed financial support to the project and is pilot testing it in three districts. The study cautions that protocols alone cannot eradicate and solve all the problems in the child protective field and asserts that there is an urgent and critical need to develop and to implement a National Strategy on Child Abuse. Such a National strategy should include legislation that supports and enforces all aspects of a national policy on child abuse. At minimum, national policy should ensure consistent political will and leadership. This means that broad statements about the obligations of politicians and state officials is not enough. These should be followed by specific accountability and measuring mechanisms for enforcement. State policy should also provide guidelines for standardized and appropriate working conditions, recruitment and training of staff. Furthermore, it should provide for a broad array of effective and accessible services to all children and families and the co-ordination of such services. Finally, legislation should include specific obligations regarding the appropriation of adequate and flexible funding to see that commitments made to children are realised.
The development of a protocol for the management child abuse and neglect
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Barnes-Septermber, Roseline, L; Sonn, Fanie; Kotze, Frans
The primary intent of this study was to seek solutions to the practical problems experienced by practitioners in their management of child abuse cases. A fundamental problem regarding the current management of child abuse is that there is no guarantee that a child entering the child protective system will be dealt with in terms of a set procedure and/or protected against further abuse. To address this problem in the Western Cape, the Intervention Research (IR) methodology (Rothman & Thomas, 1994) was used to develop a Protocol for the Multi- Disciplinary Management of Child Abuse and Neglect. IV The protocol was designed for agencies that intervene in instances of child abuse. It establishes criteria and procedures for interdisciplinary co-ordination and effective case management, delineates the professional roles and responsibilities and provides step-by-step intervention procedures. The Intervention Research Design and Development methodology provided a useful framework to apply social science research methods to child protective practice and policy reform. IR focuses on the design of practice guidelines for intervention and policy reform. It can be conducted in a diversity of practice settings and therefore enhances collaborative efforts and inter-agency exchange among practitioners and among practitioners and universities. The study evolved through six phases involving inter-as well as intra-disciplinary activities. These activities were guided by systematic and deliberate research procedures, techniques and instruments. The research phases included: problem analysis; information gathering and synthesis; the development and design of the protocol; testing the protocol through a process of workshops and finally, the launch and dissemination of the protocol. http://etd.uwc.ac.za A core element of the study was the active participation and collaboration of a broad range of key stakeholders, including: victims of child abuse, their families, service providers, and policy makers. The methods and instruments used were therefore designed to enhance participation and included interviews, workshops and observation of court processes. The bottom-up approach and collaborative design enhanced the level of contextual relevance, ownership and the commitment of stakeholders. As a demonstration of this commitment, the protocol has been endorsed by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Western Cape. The Department of Social Services has committed financial support to the project and is pilot testing it in three districts. The study cautions that protocols alone cannot eradicate and solve all the problems in the child protective field and asserts that there is an urgent and critical need to develop and to implement a National Strategy on Child Abuse. Such a National strategy should include legislation that supports and enforces all aspects of a national policy on child abuse. At minimum, national policy should ensure consistent political will and leadership. This means that broad statements about the obligations of politicians and state officials is not enough. These should be followed by specific accountability and measuring mechanisms for enforcement. State policy should also provide guidelines for standardized and appropriate working conditions, recruitment and training of staff. Furthermore, it should provide for a broad array of effective and accessible services to all children and families and the co-ordination of such services. Finally, legislation should include specific obligations regarding the appropriation of adequate and flexible funding to see that commitments made to children are realized
The development of a protocol for the management of child abuse and neglect
(1998)
The primary intent of this study was to seek solutions to the practical problems experienced by practitioners in their management of child abuse cases. A fundamental problem regarding the current management of child abuse is that there is no guarantee that a child entering the child protective system will be dealt with in terms of a set procedure and/or protected against further abuse. To address this problem in the Western Cape, the Intervention Research (IR) methodology (Rothman & Thomas, 1994) was used to develop a Protocol for the Multi-Disciplinary Management of Child Abuse and Neglect. The protocol was designed for agencies that intervene in instances of child abuse. It establishes criteria and procedures for interdisciplinary co-ordination and effective case management, delineates the professional roles and responsibilities and provides step-by-step intervention procedures.
The development of a protocol for the management of child abuse and neglect
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Barnes-September, Roseline Lynnette; Sonn, F .
The primary intent of this study was to seek solutions to the practical problems experienced by practitioners in their management of child abuse cases. A fundamental problem regarding the current management of child abuse is that there is no guarantee that a child entering the child protective system will be dealt with in terms of a set procedure and/or protected against further abuse. To address this problem in the Western Cape, the Intervention Research (IR) methodology (Rothman & Thomas, 1994) was used to develop a Protocol for the Multi- Disciplinary Management of Child Abuse and Neglect. The protocol was designed for agencies that intervene in instances of child abuse. It establishes criteria and procedures for interdisciplinary co-ordination and effective case management, delineates the professional roles and responsibilities and provides step-by-step intervention procedures. The Intervention Research Design and Development methodology provided a useful framework to apply social science research methods to child protective practice and policy reform. IR focuses on the design of practice guidelines for intervention and policy reform. It can be conducted in a diversity of practice settings and therefore enhances collaborative efforts and inter-agency exchange among practitioners and among practitioners and universities. The study evolved through six phases involving inter-as well as intra-disciplinary activities. These activities were guided by systematic and deliberate research procedures, techniques and instruments. The research phases included: problem analysis; information gathering and synthesis; the development and design of the protocol; testing the protocol through a process of workshops and finally, the launch and dissemination of the protocol. A core element of the study was the active participation and collaboration of a broad range of key stakeholders, including: victims of child abuse, their families, service providers, and policy makers. The methods and instruments used were therefore designed to enhance participation and included interviews, workshops and observation of court processes. The bottom-up approach and collaborative design enhanced the level of contextual relevance, ownership and the commitment of stakeholders. As a demonstration of this commitment, the protocol has been endorsed by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of the Western Cape. The Department of Social Services has committed financial support to the project and is pilot testing it in three districts. The study cautions that protocols alone cannot eradicate and solve all the problems in the child protective field and asserts that there is an urgent and critical need to develop and to implement a National Strategy on Child Abuse. Such a National strategy should include legislation that supports and enforces all aspects of a national policy on child abuse. At minimum, national policy should ensure consistent political will and leadership. This means that broad statements about the obligations of politicians and state officials is not enough. These should be followed by specific accountability and measuring mechanisms for enforcement. State policy should also provide guidelines for standardized and appropriate working conditions, recruitment and training of staff. Furthermore, it should provide for a broad array of effective and accessible services to all children and families and the co-ordination of such services. Finally, legislation should include specific obligations regarding the appropriation of adequate and flexible funding to see that commitments made to children are realised.
A needs assessment of a group of at-risk youth in Mitchell's plain a discourse analytic approach
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Abrahamse, Petra; Duncan, Norman T F
This study focused on determining and understanding the needs of a group of at-risk youth in Mitchell's Plain in order to identify the social competencies and basic life skills they require to enable them to cope with their life circumstances. The first phase of this study, which adopted a qualitative framework to identify the needs of these at-risk youth, was a review of the relevant literature. This review revealed that not only is there a need to understand the transitional stage that youth find themselves in; just as important is the necessity of being aware of the political, economic and social contexts which impact on them. Focus group interviews, which are recognised as encouraging participants to reveal more than in individual interview situations, were then used to obtain the data. Thereafter, both discourse analysis and systems theory were employed to analyse the data. Thus, not only were the utterances. of the participants subjected to rigorous linguistic analysis in order to discover the subtext of what they were saying; the researcher also took cognisance of the wide range of systems which impact on youth, from the macro socio-economic levels to the micro family and school levels. these at-risk youth began to emerge. These, in turn, highlighted those affective, cognitive and behavioural skills needed by at-risk youth to optimise their future development. The analysis of the data also served to validate the assumptions contained in the working hypotheses, namely that the youths' discourses would reveal their most dominant needs. In this respect, it became apparent that socio-economic deprivation, poor educational opportunities, problematic peer and family relationships as well as intra-community violence are all underpinning issues, which contribute to the youth being vulnerable to becoming at risk. As such, these issues require urgent addressing. Furthermore, the effects of racism in post -apartheid South Africa became evident as the youths revealed the inadequacies of their current situation. The youths' discourses, thus, highlighted the economic disparities that are highly visible within their community, despite the political transformation within South Africa. The study concludes by suggesting that if a meaningful way forward is to be found, it lies in improving our understanding of how preventative intervention can effectively take place in the structural, social and interpersonal domains to provide a national programme of action for youth.
A needs assessment of a group of at-risk youth in Mitchell's plain a discourse analytic approach
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Abrahamse, Petra; Duncan, Norman T F
This study focused on determining and understanding the needs of a group of at-risk youth in Mitchell's Plain in order to identify the social competencies and basic life skills they require to enable them to cope with their life circumstances. The first phase of this study, which adopted a qualitative framework to identify the needs of these at-risk youth, was a review of the relevant literature. This review revealed that not only is there a need to understand the transitional stage that youth find themselves in; just as important is the necessity of being aware of the political, economic and social contexts which impact on them. Focus group interviews, which are recognised as encouraging participants to reveal more than in individual interview situations, were then used to obtain the data. Thereafter, both discourse analysis and systems theory were employed to analyse the data. Thus, not only were the utterances. of the participants subjected to rigorous linguistic analysis in order to discover the subtext of what they were saying; the researcher also took cognisance of the wide range of systems which impact on youth, from the macro socio-economic levels to the micro family and school levels. these at-risk youth began to emerge. These, in turn, highlighted those affective, cognitive and behavioural skills needed by at-risk youth to optimise their future development. The analysis of the data also served to validate the assumptions contained in the working hypotheses, namely that the youths' discourses would reveal their most dominant needs. In this respect, it became apparent that socio-economic deprivation, poor educational opportunities, problematic peer and family relationships as well as intra-community violence are all underpinning issues, which contribute to the youth being vulnerable to becoming at risk. As such, these issues require urgent addressing. Furthermore, the effects of racism in post -apartheid South Africa became evident as the youths revealed the inadequacies of their current situation. The youths' discourses, thus, highlighted the economic disparities that are highly visible within their community, despite the political transformation within South Africa. The study concludes by suggesting that if a meaningful way forward is to be found, it lies in improving our understanding of how preventative intervention can effectively take place in the structural, social and interpersonal domains to provide a national programme of action for youth.

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