Browsing by Author "Shekwa, Portia Phumla"

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    Experiences of social service professionals in the iLembe Municipality in rendering services to children with disabilities
    (2020) Shekwa, Portia Phumla; Abdullah, Somaya
    This study explored the experiences of Social Services Professionals in rendering services to children with disabilities in the iLembe Municipality. The study focused on their overall experiences, any challenges that they may face when rendering these services and any recommendations that they may have regarding the current state of the services they render to children with disabilities. According to the Integrated National Disability Strategy (1997), there is often a low life-expectancy for people with severe disabilities living in rural areas due to inadequate care, support and access to some of the most basic services. A high level of knowledge and access to resources is required when caring for children with disabilities which places more pressure on social workers to seek other forms of alternative care for these children (Mitchell, 2013). The research study utilized a qualitative approach using semi structured interviews with 23 Social Services Professionals from various non-governmental organizations and the Department of Social Development. The non-probability sampling method was used for the selection of participants. The findings of the study revealed that Social Services Professionals find rendering services to children with disabilities to be both rewarding and challenging. Their main challenges in rendering these services included: insufficient facilities; policy limitations; training needs in the field of disability; misuse of the disability grant and a lack of support. They also face various challenges in placing children with disabilities in alternative care. Namely limited facilities and resources; lengthy application processes; reluctant foster parents; a lack of co-operation from stakeholders; and a lack of involvement from the government. Social Services Professionals felt that they were not adequately equipped to provide services to children with disabilities. Which they attributed this to a lack of training. Participants felt that alternative care for children with disabilities should be explored as a last resort and they recommended that state support should be the main intervention in providing better services to children with disabilities. Recommendations from the study are that there should be a prioritization of funding to train Social Services Professionals. Funding that is focused on issues of disabilities in order to educate communities should also be prioritized.