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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
An empowerment programme for black young widows in Mangaung Metro, Free State, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Hugo, Shirley Nozipo; Schenck, Catherina
The aim of this study was to facilitate an empowerment program with African young widows in Mangaung Metro, Free State province, South Africa, which would capacitate them to deal with their challenges and reduce their vulnerability. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences and challenges of African young widows in Mangaung in the Free State; to explore and describe the customary practices around widowhood in Mangaung Metro in the Free State; and to describe an empowerment process facilitated with young African widows in the Mangaung Metro in the Free State.
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.
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 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 case study for intergenerational transference of parenting in genadendal: Developing guidelines
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Human-Hendricks, Anja; Schenck, Catherine; Roman, Nicolette
Parenting practices are known to influence the development of children and family functioning. However, the extent to which these generational influences stretch, and the continuities brought forth between generations has not been adequately studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore intergenerational parenting in Genadendal for the purpose of developing guidelines for parents and practitioners. The concept of parenting was extensively unpacked to understand the intergenerational transmitted parenting factors being transferred from one generation to the next, in order to examine the parenting styles, parenting practices, parenting traits, and how these are transmitted over generations.
The development of a nutrition education programme for parental feeding styles and practices
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Melissa Judith Brown; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa
Many low and middle-income countries are faced with a rise in the double burden of malnutrition - undernutrition and overweight/obesity. Nutrition-related factors contribute to approximately 45% of deaths in children under five years (mainly due to undernutrition) globally, while low- and middle-income countries are simultaneously witnessing a rise in childhood overweight and obesity. In 2016, an estimated 41 million children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries were overweight or obese, while 155 million were chronically undernourished. In Africa alone, the estimated prevalence of overweight and obese children in 2010 was 8.5%, expected to reach 12.7% in 2020. In comparison, globally, one in nine people are either hungry or undernourished, while one in three people are overweight.
The development of guidelines for hearing parents parenting a children with hearing loss.
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Davids, Ronel Sanet; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Schenck, Catherine
Parenting children with a hearing loss presents hearing parents with unique parenting challenges. Adapting to and managing these challenges is dependent on parents’ personal and social support as well as the resources available to them. There is limited research regarding hearing parents’ personal and social support and access to appropriate resources. In order to bridge this gap, the aim of the study was to develop guidelines for hearing parents parenting children with a hearing loss. A mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design using a two-phased approach was employed in this study. Phase 1 endeavoured to identify the problem and explore the needs of parents by using a staged approach. The sample in this phase included 103 participants in the quantitative study and 13 participants in the qualitative study. Phase 2 applied a consensus workshop made up of two rounds: Round 1 comprised a panel of experts, namely, academics in the field of child, family, and disability studies, and Round 2 included a panel of stakeholders comprised of hearing parents, professionals, Deaf mentors, and leaders working within the field of hearing loss. The purpose of the workshop was to reach consensus on the development of guidelines. From this research, a number of guidelines emerged for parents, focusing on:1) early intervention programmes for hearing parents and children diagnosed with a hearing loss, highlighting guidance and counselling for parents on early identification and screening programmes; 2) the need for social and emotional support to deal with the emotional impact of the diagnosis on the family, the parents, as well as the child with a hearing loss; 3) access to resources and information which is comprehensive and unbiased, allowing parents to make informed choices; and 4) support for communication intervention whereby parents are offered unbiased support in terms of communication options for their children. This study has important implications for the collaboration and partnerships between parents, social services (social workers), and health and family practitioners for the provision of family-centred practices.
An intervention to reduce adolescent Hookah pipe use and satisfy their basic psychological needs
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Kader, Zainab; Roman, Nicolette V.; Crutzen, Rik
Adolescent hookah pipe use is a public health concern because it poses several health, environmental, and economic risks. Self-determination theory (SDT) posits that people are motivated to engage in certain behaviours in an attempt to satisfy their basic psychological
Developing guidelines for indigenous practices: A case study of Makhuduthamaga municipality at Sekhukhune district , Limpopo province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Mamaleka, Mmaphuti; Schenck, Catherina
Parenting practices play a significant role in the raising healthy functioning children. Traditionally, Black African families have had their own way of parenting their children, like all other cultural groups. However, few guidelines have been developed and recorded regarding their parenting practices. Most available parenting practices guidelines have been developed from a Western perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the indigenous parenting practices of Black African families, with the aim of developing indigenous parenting practices guidelines for parents and caregivers, including grandparents in the Makhuduthamaga Municipality of the Sekhukhune district. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is an Afrocentricity, which focuses on reclaiming African practices. A qualitative research method was used, guided by a case study research design. The researcher used purposive sampling to select a sample of 52 participants from six villages in the Makhuduthamaga Municipality of the Sekhukhune Districts, in Limpopo Province. The participants recruited were grandparents, traditional leaders and three age categories of parents. The number of participants were as follows: 18 parents, 29 grandparents, and 5 traditional leaders. Participation in the study was voluntary, while confidentiality and anonymity was maintained. Participants were thoroughly informed about the study, and offered their by signing the relevant consent forms.
The development of a model that examines parental HIV-related stigma and psychosocial well being of children orphaned by AIDS
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Yassin, Zeenat; Erasmus, Charlene; Frantz, Jose
The growing interest in the well-being of children who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS is widely reflected in the emerging body of research. Children orphaned by AIDS-related causes are identified as a vulnerable population of youth who display lower levels of psychosocial well-being and experience increased psychosocial distress. While HIV-related stigma remains a salient risk factor hindering the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS, the concept remains elusive and poorly understood. Hence, the call for a comprehensive understanding to support an effective response to stigma reduction, and for the systematic identification and response to the psychosocial needs and challenges of children in the context of HIV/AIDS. The overall aim of this study was therefore to develop a model to understand the manner in which HIV-related stigma affects the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS. A mixed method, exploratory, sequential design situated within a theory generative research approach was implemented in four sequential phases geared towards model development. The specific objectives of this study were to: (1) review existing literature focusing on the relationship between HIV-related stigma and the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS (systematic review); (2) explore children orphaned by AIDS perceptions and experiences of HIV-related stigma (qualitative exploratory design); (3) develop a model that offers an understanding of the manner in which HIV-related stigma affects the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS (a theory generative design); and (4) determine the functionality of the developed model through the use of the Delphi technique (a modified Delphi technique). The systematic review conducted in Phase I indicated the presence of HIV-related stigma, which inhibited the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS. The findings further highlighted the mediating role of maladaptive coping strategies and social support likely to reduce healthy psychosocial well-being and cause psychosocial distress among children orphaned by AIDS. Similarly, the findings arising from the qualitative exploration in Phase II indicated that children orphaned by AIDS were highly perceptive and experienced HIV-related stigma as a result of parental illness and death. These experiences negatively affected the psychological, emotional, and social well-being, self-concept and self-esteem, and future orientation of children orphaned by AIDS. The theory generative design in Phase III identified, classified, and defined six focal concepts upon which the model is based, namely, (1) enacted stigma, (2) perceived stigma, (3) internalized stigma, (4) coping strategies, (5) psychosocial well-being, and (6) interpersonal relations. The developed relationship statements of the model indicated: (1) the bidirectional relationship between enacted, perceived, and internalized stigma; (2) the mediating role of coping strategies; (3) the direct and indirect influences of HIV-related stigma on the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS; and (4) the contextual role of interpersonal relationships in which the process of stigmatization may unfold. The modified Delphi technique conducted in Phase IV indicated that the developed model was simplistic, clear, generalizable, accessible, and important for use in research and practice. The developed model will aid future studies by providing a theoretical lens through which HIV-related stigma and its influence on the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS may be viewed. HIV-related stigma should be considered strongly when addressing the well-being of orphaned children, so that tailored programs, interventions, and services may be set in place to effectively bring about the reduction of stigma and ensure the psychosocial well-being of children. The recommendations set out serves to further inform practice and programs and form a baseline for future empirical research focusing on HIV-related stigma and the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS.

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