Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Social Work)

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A coordinated response to bullying of and among children with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities within the context of the child protection system
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Blankenberg, Cheryl Marion; Van Der Westhuizen, Marichen
This study responded to the identified need for research to develop a guideline for a coordinated Child Protection Service (CPS) response to protect children with mild to moderate Intellectual Disabilities (IDs) from bullying. Framed within the bio-ecological systems theory, three research questions guided the study, namely: 1) What is the nature of the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs? 2) What formal and informal systems should be included in a coordinated response to address the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs? 3) What components for both preventing and responding effectively to the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs should be included within the CPS? Guided by these questions, the first aim of the research was to explore and describe the nature of the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs. The second aim was to identify formal and informal systems to include in a coordinated response, and the third aim was to identify and operationalise the components for both preventing and responding effectively to the bullying of and among these children.
A coordinated response to bullying of and among children with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities within the context of the child protection system
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Blankenberg, Cheryl Marion; Van Der Westhuizen, Marichen
This study responded to the identified need for research to develop a guideline for a coordinated Child Protection Service (CPS) response to protect children with mild to moderate Intellectual Disabilities (IDs) from bullying. Framed within the bio-ecological systems theory, three research questions guided the study, namely: 1) What is the nature of the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs? 2) What formal and informal systems should be included in a coordinated response to address the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs? 3) What components for both preventing and responding effectively to the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs should be included within the CPS? Guided by these questions, the first aim of the research was to explore and describe the nature of the bullying of and among children with mild to moderate IDs. The second aim was to identify formal and informal systems to include in a coordinated response, and the third aim was to identify and operationalise the components for both preventing and responding effectively to the bullying of and among these children.
Guidelines for social work interventions with children affected by HIV and AIDS
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Lukelelo, Nomvuyo; Schenck, C
Children affected by HIV and AIDS are often left without adult supervision when the parent or caregiver ultimately dies from HIV and AIDS-related illnesses, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and in need of care. Children in need of care are required by law to be attended to by social workers who need to make sure that they design interventions that will be able to protect the rights of children. Various stakeholders across Africa have implemented a number of interventions in an attempt to support children affected by HIV. Still, these interventions do not clearly define the social worker's role. This study aimed to develop guidelines for social work interventions with children affected by HIV and AIDS. The study used an intervention mapping research design implemented over two phases using the Ecological Systems Theory.
Guidelines for social work interventions with children affected by HIV and AIDS
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Lukelelo, Nomvuyo; Schenck, C
Children affected by HIV and AIDS are often left without adult supervision when the parent or caregiver ultimately dies from HIV and AIDS-related illnesses, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and in need of care. Children in need of care are required by law to be attended to by social workers who need to make sure that they design interventions that will be able to protect the rights of children. Various stakeholders across Africa have implemented a number of interventions in an attempt to support children affected by HIV. Still, these interventions do not clearly define the social worker's role. This study aimed to develop guidelines for social work interventions with children affected by HIV and AIDS. The study used an intervention mapping research design implemented over two phases using the Ecological Systems Theory.
The development of guidelines to enhance the framework for the management of recidivism in the department of correctional services in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Samuels, Jerome Alec; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa
Recidivism could be considered an emerging science in South Africa. While recidivism has not been researched extensively or defined in South Africa, the statistics are also severely limited, but estimated rates of recidivism are unacceptably high. Recidivism in South Africa is an emerging science. The management of recidivism is, therefore, unclear. Hence, this study aimed to develop guidelines for the management of recidivism in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in the Western Cape in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used in this study. This method was chosen to understand the perceptions of DCS employees and its stakeholders and their shared experiences managing recidivism in a correctional environment.
The development of guidelines to enhance the framework for the management of recidivism in the department of correctional services in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Samuels, Jerome Alec; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa
Recidivism could be considered an emerging science in South Africa. While recidivism has not been researched extensively or defined in South Africa, the statistics are also severely limited, but estimated rates of recidivism are unacceptably high. Recidivism in South Africa is an emerging science. The management of recidivism is, therefore, unclear. Hence, this study aimed to develop guidelines for the management of recidivism in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in the Western Cape in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used in this study. This method was chosen to understand the perceptions of DCS employees and its stakeholders and their shared experiences managing recidivism in a correctional environment.
Mental health of adolescents in refugee camps in Ethiopia: The development of an exploratory model based on traumatic experience, coping and resilience
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Danga, Solomon Dribsa; Roman, Nicolette
Refugees routinely experience a number of traumatic events that may result in poor mental health due to persecution, conflict and displacement. Children and adolescent refugees particularly migrate with histories of exposure to traumatic events. Previous studies have also shown increased rates of mental health concerns among refugees forcibly displaced during adolescence, indicating that these young refugees may be a particularly vulnerable sub-group within the broader global refugee population. However, the current research did not provide clarity regarding the association between risk factors and buffering protective factors on the mental health of adolescent refugees.
Mental health of adolescents in refugee camps in Ethiopia: The development of an exploratory model based on traumatic experience, coping and resilience
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Danga, Solomon Dribsa; Roman, Nicolette
Refugees routinely experience a number of traumatic events that may result in poor mental health due to persecution, conflict and displacement. Children and adolescent refugees particularly migrate with histories of exposure to traumatic events. Previous studies have also shown increased rates of mental health concerns among refugees forcibly displaced during adolescence, indicating that these young refugees may be a particularly vulnerable sub-group within the broader global refugee population. However, the current research did not provide clarity regarding the association between risk factors and buffering protective factors on the mental health of adolescent refugees.
Exploring the state of social work supervision in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Ramabulana-Ndzuta, Joyce Shonisani; Schenck, Catherina
This study explored the state of social work supervision in South Africa, looking at how it is experienced by both social workers and supervisors. The empirical study was conducted in the Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces. The research sites were the service offices of the Department of Social Development (DSD). The research adopted a mixed-methods approach underpinned by a convergent parallel research design: the researcher collected qualitative and quantitative data concurrently. Questionnaires were administered on the same day on which the semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings of the study suggest that social work supervision is lacking in a number of areas. One of the areas of concern for social workers is that supervision, as it is currently applied, does not offer them the support they need. The study revealed that (a) supervisors were not able to support social workers as they themselves were not adequately prepared for the position of supervision by way of training, and (b) just like social workers who felt unsupported, supervisors also continuously felt unsupported by their managers. Furthermore, it became clear that both social workers and supervisors had limited understanding of the approaches applied in social work supervision. This included a lack of understanding of the strengths-based approach which the researcher had chosen as the theoretical framework for the study. The findings also revealed a lack of policies to guide how supervision should be applied. Except for the Supervision Framework for the Social Work Profession in South Africa (DSD & SACSSP, 2012), participants did not know of any other policy regarding social work supervision. Consequently, there are no measures in place to monitor the implementation of social work supervision which results in it being applied inconsistently – and, in some instances, not being applied at all.
Exploring the state of social work supervision in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Ramabulana-Ndzuta, Joyce Shonisani; Schenck, Catherina
This study explored the state of social work supervision in South Africa, looking at how it is experienced by both social workers and supervisors. The empirical study was conducted in the Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Provinces. The research sites were the service offices of the Department of Social Development (DSD). The research adopted a mixed-methods approach underpinned by a convergent parallel research design: the researcher collected qualitative and quantitative data concurrently. Questionnaires were administered on the same day on which the semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings of the study suggest that social work supervision is lacking in a number of areas. One of the areas of concern for social workers is that supervision, as it is currently applied, does not offer them the support they need. The study revealed that (a) supervisors were not able to support social workers as they themselves were not adequately prepared for the position of supervision by way of training, and (b) just like social workers who felt unsupported, supervisors also continuously felt unsupported by their managers. Furthermore, it became clear that both social workers and supervisors had limited understanding of the approaches applied in social work supervision. This included a lack of understanding of the strengths-based approach which the researcher had chosen as the theoretical framework for the study. The findings also revealed a lack of policies to guide how supervision should be applied. Except for the Supervision Framework for the Social Work Profession in South Africa (DSD & SACSSP, 2012), participants did not know of any other policy regarding social work supervision. Consequently, there are no measures in place to monitor the implementation of social work supervision which results in it being applied inconsistently – and, in some instances, not being applied at all.
Development of practice guidelines to assist social workers to improve anti-oppressive practices and to facilitate social justice in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Marais, Christival Ebenezer; Schenck, Catherina
The researcher conducted a qualitative modified four step intervention research using the Design, and Development model. Human rights and Social Justice are central to the study, which advocates for the advancement of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory policies that serve as the professional foundations of Social Work. A review of the literature, however, revealed that little research and literature exists on how Social Workers think about, facilitate, or implement anti-oppressive Social Work practise and Social Justice in South Africa. Despite significant legislative and policy progress in post-apartheid South Africa, Social Workers still face challenges in promoting Social Justice.
Development of practice guidelines to assist social workers to improve anti-oppressive practices and to facilitate social justice in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Marais, Christival Ebenezer; Schenck, Catherina
The researcher conducted a qualitative modified four step intervention research using the Design, and Development model. Human rights and Social Justice are central to the study, which advocates for the advancement of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory policies that serve as the professional foundations of Social Work. A review of the literature, however, revealed that little research and literature exists on how Social Workers think about, facilitate, or implement anti-oppressive Social Work practise and Social Justice in South Africa. Despite significant legislative and policy progress in post-apartheid South Africa, Social Workers still face challenges in promoting Social Justice.
The role of social workers in response to genocides and massacres: The case of Gukurahundi
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Manjengenja, Nyasha; Schenck, Catherina
The term ‘Gukurahundi’ is a direct translation of a Zimbabwean Shona term that refers to “the first rain that washes away chaff before spring” (Eppel, 2008:1). In Zimbabwe, this term is specifically used in reference to the massacres of over 20 000 people in the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, as well as displacement and torture of innumerable others by the Mugabeled regime in the 1980’s (Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe, 1997). This violence was never acknowledged nor comprehensively addressed at national level.
The role of social workers in response to genocides and massacres: The case of Gukurahundi
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Manjengenja, Nyasha; Schenck, Catherina
The term ‘Gukurahundi’ is a direct translation of a Zimbabwean Shona term that refers to “the first rain that washes away chaff before spring” (Eppel, 2008:1). In Zimbabwe, this term is specifically used in reference to the massacres of over 20 000 people in the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, as well as displacement and torture of innumerable others by the Mugabeled regime in the 1980’s (Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe, 1997). This violence was never acknowledged nor comprehensively addressed at national level.
Innovation capability and social franchising: An evaluative case study of the family in focus (fif) early childhood development programme in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Allie, Riedewhaan; Londt, Marcel
International research studies on early childhood development (ECD) confirm the importance of ECD as a key social policy phenomenon. In the South African context, this is a significant social developmental policy and planning consideration, where 5.3 million children under the age of 5 years, are living in households with a monthly income of R604, and only 1 million have access to ECD services. Through organisational service innovation in the Western Cape, an in-depth policy case study of the Family in Focus (FIF) programme, developed and implemented by the Western Cape Foundation for Community Work (WC FCW), may be considered a potential model for broader national policy innovation in the ECD field.
Innovation capability and social franchising: An evaluative case study of the family in focus (fif) early childhood development programme in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Allie, Riedewhaan; Londt, Marcel
International research studies on early childhood development (ECD) confirm the importance of ECD as a key social policy phenomenon. In the South African context, this is a significant social developmental policy and planning consideration, where 5.3 million children under the age of 5 years, are living in households with a monthly income of R604, and only 1 million have access to ECD services. Through organisational service innovation in the Western Cape, an in-depth policy case study of the Family in Focus (FIF) programme, developed and implemented by the Western Cape Foundation for Community Work (WC FCW), may be considered a potential model for broader national policy innovation in the ECD field.
The development and validation of a child in conflict with the law risk assessment scale for probation officers in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Smith, Edgar Eben; Londt, Marcel
During the planning phase of this project, the researcher intended to conduct a countrywide South African study, as reflected in the title. However, the researcher experienced difficulty with obtaining permission to conduct research in most provinces, ultimately only succeeding in Gauteng. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic delimited the researchers scope to conduct research in most provinces within South Africa.
The development and validation of a child in conflict with the law risk assessment scale for probation officers in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Smith, Edgar Eben; Londt, Marcel
During the planning phase of this project, the researcher intended to conduct a countrywide South African study, as reflected in the title. However, the researcher experienced difficulty with obtaining permission to conduct research in most provinces, ultimately only succeeding in Gauteng. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic delimited the researchers scope to conduct research in most provinces within South Africa.
The family life and well-being of migrant day labourers in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Magidi, Mufaro Dean; Schenck, Catherina
Day labourers are individuals in the informal economy who make a living by selling their labour and skills on the streets in return for money. The aim of this study was to examine the lived experiences of day labourers in Cape Town, with a specific focus on the family life and well-being of migrant day labourers. Previous studies have indicated that day driving factors leading to the growth and existence of the informal labour market and day labourers were high unemployment, job scarcity and migration towards South Africa’s urban centres and international migration from other mostly other Africa. The study furthermore determines how such factors of migration and level of income impact the family life and well-being of migrant day labourers in Cape Town.
The family life and well-being of migrant day labourers in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Magidi, Mufaro Dean; Schenck, Catherina
Day labourers are individuals in the informal economy who make a living by selling their labour and skills on the streets in return for money. The aim of this study was to examine the lived experiences of day labourers in Cape Town, with a specific focus on the family life and well-being of migrant day labourers. Previous studies have indicated that day driving factors leading to the growth and existence of the informal labour market and day labourers were high unemployment, job scarcity and migration towards South Africa’s urban centres and international migration from other mostly other Africa. The study furthermore determines how such factors of migration and level of income impact the family life and well-being of migrant day labourers in Cape Town.