Browsing by Subject "Social Work"

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    A study of social case work procedure in Johannesburg, with special reference to the standardization of this procedure
    (1947) Arnold_Louise; Professor Edward Eatson
    The growing interest in the qualitative aspects of social work together with modern intereat in methods of social research have resulted in numerous studies in specialized fields l t>f social work. Investigations of those aspects of social research work that are common to all branches of social work are comparatively few in number, although a study of general social work procedure forms the basis of the practical training of every student in social work. Perhaps the most striking conclusion to be drawn from a review of soc hil work li tara. ture as a 'whole is that the authors attempt to set up certain generally acceptable standards in their fields of work and that they do not as a rule succeed in doing so. The failure to set up standards is perhaps partly due to the fact that interest in social research is not always accompanied by a knowledge of scientific procedure; and perhaps the concept 'standard' itself has caused a certain amount of confusion. The term 'standard' may be used to indicate an objective or end 1 or 1 t may be used to indicate a measurement of quality or quantity in which e ,g. the end can be expressed. Family allowances provided at the rate of 5 shillings per child per week may represent a high standard of family allowances to one person, and a low standard to another, dependin~ on individual conceptions of what family allowances should be. But to both these persons the shilling is the standard measurement in which family allowances are expressed. Standards, in the sense of objectives, are dependent on our opinion of what the state of affairs should be.
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    Administrasie in die maatskaplike werk met besondere verwysing na vier funksies in bestuur, naamlik beplanning, organisasie, leidinggewing en beheer, soos toegepas in drie geselekteerde projekte
    (1983) Du Toit, Vlokkie; Helm, Brunhilde
    Die studie is deur 'n beroepsmaatskaplike werker onderneem en spruit uit haar praktiese ervaring in Wes-Kaap. Die tydperk van die studie strek vanaf 1980 tot die begin van 1983. Dit beskryf drie maatskaplikewerkprojekte. Die skryfster gaan van die hipotese uit dat die sukses van 'n maatskaplikewerk-projek in 'n groot mate afhang van doelgerigte administrasie daarvan. Die studieveld is dus maatskaplikewerk-administrasie. Vier bestuursfunksies, naamlik beplanning, organisasie, leidinggewing en kontrole (of beheer) word uitgesonder as aanduidend of maatskaplikewerk-administrasie geslaagd is al dan nie. Die "bestuur" van die drie projekte word beskryf en beoordeel volgens hierdie vier bestuursfunksies. Die gevallestudiemetode word gebruik; elkeen van die drie projekte word as 'n geval beskou. Die beperkinge van die studie word uitgewys; 'n literatuurstudie word aangebied; Suid-Afrikaanse wetgewing, wat op die projek betrekking het, word bespreek; die drie projekte self word seriatim beskryf en geëvalueer. Die slothoofstuk gaan oor bevindings en gevolgtrekkings, ook met verwysing na die etiese beginsels van die maatskaplikewerkberoep.
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    An investigation into mental health care deficits in South Africa: exploring an alternative intervention strategy
    (2018) Daniels, Ingrid; O'Brien, Constance; John-Langba, Johannes
    This study investigates mental health care deficits in South Africa and explores an alternative intervention strategy that promotes an integrated community-based intervention model to reach the vulnerable majority living with the debilitating consequences of mental illness. The research is grounded in human rights, empowerment and human scale development theories. A mixed-methods research design consisting of a dominant quantitative methodology complemented by a qualitative methodology was adopted. The research design was carried out in three sequential phases. The first phase of the study involved an online survey with 19 mental health professionals employed at State psychiatric facilities and 90 social workers at 17 mental health non-government organisations. The second phase involved 5 focus group discussions with a total of 40 mental health service users from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. The third and final phase of the study involved telephonic interviews with two key informants, using a semi-structured interview guide. Purposive sampling procedures were used to recruit respondents from all nine provinces in South Africa. Findings indicate that less than half of the mental health professionals (49%, n=53) reported that the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2013‒2020 is a very good policy, whereas 42.6% (n=46) agreed that the policy is highly appropriate for a developing country. The Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between respondents’ perceptions of a good policy and its appropriateness for mental health care in South Africa [χ² (9, n=109) = 120.5, p <.000]. The focus group findings indicated that only a few service users were aware of the policy as a 'strategic plan’ whilst the majority of focus group participants were unfamiliar with the policy and thought that it should be summarised in clear language and disseminated. The issue of stigma experienced and confirmed by service users was regarded as a major barrier to mental health care – the majority (89.9%, n=98) of respondents indicated that mental illness remains one of the most highly stigmatised conditions in South Africa. There is a significant relationship between how well mental illness is understood and the stigma associated with mental illness [χ² (16, n=109) = 40.7, p<.001]. The Chi-square test indicated a significant association between mental health professionals’ perception about vulnerability and the discrimination against mental health service users [χ² (9, n=109) = 25.0, p<.003]. These findings were confirmed by the focus group participants who said: “As long as there is stigma – we as mental health patients get judged by our community, by our families and people around you – then nothing will change”. The majority (94.5%, n=103) of respondents agreed that people with mental illness are more vulnerable to abuse by society than those without mental illness. The majority (80.7%, n=88) of mental health professionals reported that the medical model is the dominant approach to diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in South Africa. The focus group participants were keenly aware that “just taking your medication isn’t always balancing out”. The majority of mental health professionals (83.5%, n=91) agreed that poor socio-economic conditions increased mental illness, whereas 73.4% (n=80) agreed that there was a direct link between poverty and the increase in demand for mental health services. The Chi-square test indicated that there is a significant association between poor socio-economic conditions and the increased demand for mental health services in South Africa [χ² (16, n=109) = 199.2, p<.001]. Focus group discussions confirmed this link between poverty and mental illness with participants highlighting the constraints of meagre grants and their inability to find jobs. Findings from the key informants concur with the aforementioned main findings. Conclusions drawn from the triangulated findings show the major deficits in treatment; the lack of resources and funding; the lack of community-based mental health interventions and the exclusion of mental health service users as significant role-players. Finally this study both recommended and designed a comprehensive patient-centred, integrated community-based mental health service model that is aligned with South Africa’s National Mental Health Policy. The proposed model took into account the perspectives of mental health professionals, mental health service users, and findings from the survey respondents, as well as ideas from 'best practice models’ found in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Brazil and India – and was corroborated by key informants.
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    Being-blind-in-the-world: a phenomenological analysis of blindness and a formulation of new objectives in rehabilitation
    (1984) Rowland, William Peter; Helm, Brunhilde
    This work contains a phenomenological analysis of blindness, providing a basis for the evaluation of rehabilitation practice in South Africa and the formulation of future objectives in the field. Stereotypes of blindness associated with the perspectives of consumerism, scientific research, and social casework are analysed. Theories of blindness proposed by Braverman, Carroll, Monbeck, Foulke, Jernigan, and Scott are critically examined. The findings give substance to the claim that professional workers with the blind are guided in their attitudes and actions by images and meanings originating from these sources. All such preconceptions are rejected in favour of a description of blindness in terms of actual experience. An in-depth study of experience reveals how the nature of perception determines the blind person's relationship with the physical environment, with other people, and with the welfare system. In each sphere limitations arise which are overcome by specific responses and appropriate techniques. These observations lead to the formulation of a set of basic principles of rehabilitation, stressing the importance of individualization, self-reliance, assertiveness, versatility, and a personal interpretation of blindness. The relevance of traditional modalities is explained, while the need to expand rehabilitation teaching to include assertive skills training and various types of vocational instruction is emphasized. Current rehabilitation practice in South Africa is evaluated, comparisons being drawn with programmes offered by Beit Halochem in Tel Aviv, Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, and the Center for Independent Living of the New York Infirmary. South African training is characterized as fostering the independence of the individual. Negative features are the lack of an effective delivery system and failure to meet the priority needs of certain groups. This prepares the way for a case study in which the redevelopment of rehabilitation services for the blind in South Africa .is discussed, beginning with the establishment of a new national rehabilitation centre. Amongst other matters, the study deals with negotiations to circumvent restrictive legislation, funding through a system of corporate sponsorship, and purposeful architectural design. The rehabilitation centre is viewed as the first component of a broader strategy to provide rehabilitation training to all blind people in South Africa, incorporating national, urban, rural, and specialized services. The successful implementation of any action plan will require the participation of blind people themselves by way of a disability rights movement. Finally, attention is focused on the effect of South African racial policies on welfare work. The principle of equal opportunity cannot be practised under present legislation.
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    Crisis intervention as a form of therapy for persons with homosexual concerns : an experimental study
    (1979) Isaacs, Gordon Michael; Helm, Brunhilde
    Thirty male patients who, because they were experiencing homosexual crises, had made contact with a walk-in crisis clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, were admitted to a series of therapy sessions based on the model of crisis intervention as expounded by Naomi Golan. The Paper reports upon a study which examined the degree of anxiety associated with the crisis, and measured the efficacy of crisis intervention techniques in reducing anxiety and distress. Two basis tests were administered: one before therapy and the other upon completion. The first test was the Kinsey Homosexual-Heterosexual rating scale to gauge the level of the patients' undertaking of their homosexual-heterosexual spectrum and to facilitate therapy. The second test consisted of ten items selected from the Manifest Anxiety Scale (M.A.S.).Using Magoon's validation of the study (which differentiated items in terms of levels of significance) and using Busses' study (which produces a follow-up item analysis of the M.A.S.), the writer selected those items that were significant at the 5% level or better, and also those that could be broken down into the following categories: (a) items which were indicated by physical anxiety or discomfort. (b) items which were indicated in verbal terms. In this way items were identified as correlates of anxiety experienced by persons with homosexual problems (in a crisis state). A rating scale was constructed using a five-point semantic differential for each item.
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    Delinquency and the family : a study of connexions between crime and socioenvironmental factors with special reference to inmates of the Constantia Reform School.
    (1981) Ullmann, David-Nathan; Helm, B
    The present thesis is the result of my curiosity about delinquency in South Africa. In Part One I review juvenile delinquency in general, the system of probation, and the institutionalized treatment of delinquents. I draw upon experience in comparing Israel and South Africa. Parts Two and Three of the work study the circumstances of a sample of boys lodged in the Constantia Reform School. The method of the research is described and so is the Reform School itself. Two questionnaires were designed and administered, one to the sample of boys and the other to their patents. The findings are then described and analysed.
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    A descriptive-evaluative study of the role of integrated group work as a mediating influence in the divorce adjustment process in women : a social work study conducted in Cape Town
    (1991) Jobson, Joy; Moss-Morris, Valerie
    There has been a steady increase in the specific divorce rate in the western world in past decades. The disruptive effects of divorce are common knowledge. What is less well known is the facilitating or mediating process which enhances divorce adjustment. The issue of divorce adjustment is of concern to mental health professionals. A growing number of divorcing and divorced women have sought divorce group counselling in one particular welfare agency in past years. The researcher has conducted integrated, unstructured groups whose theoretical underpinnings are an eclectic blend of social group work and group psychotherapy theory. The study was conducted as a qualitative descriptive-evaluative case study of two groups of women across a twelve week period. The broad purpose of the study was the description of the influence of participation in an unstructured group on divorce adjustment in women. A major question was the evaluation of those aspects of integrated group work which proved to be a mediating influence on adjustmental variables for women.
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    Die terapeutiese aspekte van groepberaad in maatskaplike groepwerk
    (1976) Wiese, Annaleen Christine; Helm, Brunhilde
    Die doelstellings van die ondersoek kan soos volg kortliks saamgevat word: 1. Om 'n analitiese onderskeiding te maak van die begrippe groepberaad en groepterapie, en aan te toon dat groepberaad, soos deur maatskaplike groepwerkers beoefen, 'n terapeutiese strekking het; 2. Om groepberaad as 'n proses van maatskaplike groepwerk te omskryf; 3. Om, deur groepberaad met vroulike alkoholiste te onderneem, die metodiek van groepberaad te illustreer; 4. Om die terapeutiese kragte wat terapeutiese verandering in 'n beraadgroep teweegbring, te identifiseer en te omskryf; en 5. Om die aard van terapeutiese verandering en die evaluasie daarvan, kortliks te bespreek.
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    Dying of cancer : is it the process or the place that contributes to a good death?
    (2012) Manicom, Clare Louise; Williams, Fatima
    This Quantitative Study undertook to investigate what family members or caregivers of deceased patients from a private oncology unit in Cape Town experienced during the last week of that patient’s life. The social expectation or conventionally held belief that Good Death is only attainable at home was challenged, with findings indicating that it is possible to achieve a Good Death in a hospital setting.
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    An exploration of male youth's perceived impact of their involvement in youth gang violence on their educational attainment in Khayelithsa Site B
    (2014) Mguzulwa, Sisanda; Gxubane, Thulane
    The overall aim of the study was to explore male youths' perceived impact of their involvement in youth gang violence (YGV) on their educational attainment. A qualitative research design was adapted in this study. A non-probability purposive snowball sampling was adopted in the research. The study used a semi-structured interview schedule as a research tool in conducting in-depth interviews with the respondents. The research respondents were young males between 14 and 20 years, some of whom were high school drop-outs, while some were learners in high school and some had recently completed Grade 12. The findings showed that most of the research participants were negatively impacted by their involvement in YGV. The findings showed that YGV affected their attendance and performance at school. The study further showed that some of the research participants in the study repeated some grades at school and some dropped out of school because of the influence of YGV. The study also showed that the respondents were keen to further their studies regardless of their involvement in YGV. The respondents recognised the importance of education in their lives in order to fulfil their future goals. The study further indicated that the respondents had no intentions of continuing with YGV, because they wanted to focus on their schooling. They also suggested that young people should not join YGV, because it would destroy their lives, for example by having criminal records, being delayed in their education attainment, and dying very young.
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    An explorative study of false allegations of child sexual abuse in divorce and custody proceedings in South Africa
    (2015) Robinson, Tanya Marie; John-Langba, Johannes
    False child sexual abuse allegations in divorce and custody proceedings are a disconcerting problem in South Africa having devastating effects on the family unit going through a divorce, and on society as a whole. Limited research has been done in South Africa on the subject matter (Janse Van Rensburg, 2008; McDonald, 1998; Preller, 2014).This study utilize General System's Theory, the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Crisis Theory to explore the subject matter. An explorative qualitative approach with a constructivist epistemology was utilised. The participants in this study involved thirty key informants, who included social workers, psychologists, counsellors and other professionals who specialise in divorce, custody and sexual abuse matters. A further five falsely accused parents and five accusing parents formed part of the sample. The data collection method used was that of in-depth interviews and research assistants were trained and appointed to gather the information. Notes were taken and the interviews were recorded to enable the necessary data analysis. Content and thematic data analyses were used to analyse the data and obtain the necessary results. The research findings indicate that false child sexual abuse allegations have a detrimental effect on the accused parent and explain the agony, severe trauma and emotional distress the falsely accused parent go through. There are various factors contributing towards false child sexual abuse allegations and results show that the impact of such allegations is11detrimental to the family system, the child and the falsely accused parent and brings disequilibrium to the family system that is very difficult to restore post-divorce. The mental health perspective on false child sexual abuse paints a rather bleak picture of the legal and social system and on adequately addressing the social issues at hand. Results highlight that false allegations are a complicated phenomenon and not all professionals nor the courts have the necessary skills to deal adequately with these matters. Research recommends amendments to South African Policy and Legislation, changes to the South African court system, and capacity building of mental health professionals. As this research is a ground-breaking study in South Africa, as no scientific research has been published on the subject matter, this study should be used as a basis for future research studies.
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    An exploratory study on the perceptions of Zimbabwean women activists regarding the Domestic Violence Act (2007)
    (2014) Lipeleke, Freddy; Gxubane, Thulane
    The overall aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of Zimbabwe women activists regarding the Domestic Violence Act (2007) in that country. The study surveyed fourteen women activists in Zimbabwe to determine their perceptions on the strengths and weaknesses of the Act, the challenges of implementing the Act, and lastly, their recommendations with regard to the amendments, if any, that they would want to see made to the Act. The respondents comprised women who worked for organisations that advocated and lobbied for the rights of women in Zimbabwe. The research design was qualitative, and a purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit the respondents. In-depth face-to-face interviews were used to gather data for the study. Most of the respondents who were interviewed were lawyers, although there were also a significant number of social workers and a teacher. The study established that the Act had both strengths and weaknesses. The most significant strengths of the Act was the criminalisation of domestic violence in Zimbabwe. This therefore meant that the problem of domestic violence was now receiving much needed attention from the state and its law enforcement agents. Another strength of the Act was the fact that the definition of domestic violence was expanded to include other cultural practices that violate the rights of women. These included such practices as forced virginity tests and forced marriages, as well as the pledging of the girl child as a form of payment, practices which hitherto were not classified as criminal offences.
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    Exploring experiences of Western Cape based Shine volunteers about the Shine Centre programme and the children they support
    (2015) Mashek, Carrie; Atmore, Eric
    The main research questions focused on understanding why people volunteer; their views on the Shine training and Literacy Hour programmes and recommendations that would result in children receiving a high quality education. The findings of the study emphasised the crucial role that volunteers play in the Shine Centre organisation and within the South African education system. These volunteers are a dynamic and diverse group who offer their time for a variety of reasons but are committed to enhancing the literacy rates of primary-aged school children in the Western Cape. Experiences of these community members ranged from gaining skills and techniques from Shine training to working and understanding children with very different backgrounds to themselves. The findings found that there is a high level of satisfaction amongst volunteers with respect to the training and the Literacy Hour sessions. However, there are certain obstacles that volunteers face and which impact on their facilitation of the programme, such as not having the right materials to teach with or a child’s home circumstances, some of which can be very difficult to overcome.
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    Exploring factors that sustain succesful women-owned informal micro businesses in the Western Cape
    (2014) Clack, Elizabeth; O'Brien, Connie
    The study explored factors that sustain successful women-owned informal micro businesses. This explorative qualitative study was conducted in Cape Town in the communities of Philippi and Khayelitsha. Face- to- face in-depth interviewing was carried out on a purposive sample of sixteen women-owned informal microbusinesses (WBOs) and five key informants from government and NGO institutions offering small business support services. The main findings indicated that some of the women are successful due to a variety of multifaceted and linked factors. These women have been operating their businesses successfully despite economic downturns and gender exclusion and other community related factors. A variety of behavioural and motivational factors also contribute to small business success. The WBOs are able to successfully operate businesses in economic downturns due to their adaptability, flexibility and innovation in their business practices. A resilient mindset, their strong spirituality, confidence and business aspirations enabled them to persevere in difficult economic and personal circumstances, while conducting business in often violent communities. The nature of trade and their knowledge of the market, customer care, relationships and their attitudes to competition were key to their business success. The family and institutional support however appears to be weak and barriers included sparse information about the support services from NGOs and government. The main recommendation is that these more successful informal micro-business women owners could be better documented and used as case studies and role models for best practice. Much more research is needed on a larger scale across the country since the informal sector is constantly expanding and changing.
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    Exploring the functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft: A family resilience perspective
    (2021) Dyantyi, Nolusindiso; Addinall, Ronald
    The end of Apartheid entailed nothing less than a wholly new constitution for South Africa, but the country remained one of the most unequal societies in the world, with a small and wealthy minority dominating a large but impoverished majority, (Sisk, 1995). Minimal efforts have been made at policy level to advance the issue of family resilience, that does not equate it to economic development. Resilience goes beyond just economic stability. Resilience is defined as, “people's internalized capacities and the related behaviours that allow them to maintain a sense of integration in the face of hardships and to recovering from trauma following adverse circumstances”, (Green, 2007). South African families experience a number of unique circumstances that not only affect their family structure but also extend to the socioeconomic and relational dimensions of families, (Roman, Isaacs, Davids and Sui, 2016). The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences and functioning of families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft, from a family resilience perspective. The study made use of the qualitative research method, applying an explorative research design to collect data from 24 families residing in socially disorganized communities. Findings of this study indicate that families living in the socially disorganized communities of Khayelitsha and Delft, experienced hardships and challenges related to severe trauma and loss. Spirituality and transcendental beliefs were found to be deeply imbedded in these families and resources, like support from the church, and practising traditional ceremonies, played an instrumental role in enabling families to be resilient. A sense of connectedness, within these families was present and it contributed in enhancing family resilience. Families needed a level of adaptation and proactiveness in seeking or accessing support outside their communities, because social support in their communities was not readily available. Some families engaged in a process of clear and honest communication while other families did not and in both contexts, the families found ways of being resilient. This finding strongly associated resilience with survival. Problem solving strategies employed by families to enhance resilience included collaborative efforts, rearranging living arrangements and making personal sacrifices. Families in these communities recommended that law enforcement be improved, family related crimes be effectively addressed; families to be provided with relevant services that will aid in enabling their resilience and for the government to engage in a participatory manner with community members in order to understand what hardships are faced by families, in order to develop effective programmes and services.
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    Exploring the perceived challenges of single mothers with children diagnosed with autism disorder in the junior phase at Vera School
    (2015) Monare, Nthabiseng; Williams, Fatima
    This study aimed to explore the perceived challenges of single mothers with children diagnosed with Autism who are in the junior phase at Vera School, focussing on key struggles which they face in caring for their children. Emphasis was on parental stresses during their children's diagnostic processes as well as lack of availability and accessibility of resources about Autism Spectrum Disorder. A qualitative research design was used to carry out the research, and purposive sampling was utilised to select the sample for this study. The sample comprised of 15 single mothers. A semi-structured interview schedule and a voice recorder were used to conduct the interviews. The research was conducted at Vera School, Rondebosch in Cape Town. Findings were drawn from the responses of the participants and compared with literature from previous studies. These findings indicated that single mothers of children diagnosed with Autism lack support to cope with the demands of caring for their children. This was highlighted in the early stages of assessment, making a diagnosis, and during early intervention of their children in a special needs school. Multiple roles, financial constraints and stigma were primary sources of parental stress, as pointed out in this study. Limited resources such as long waiting lists for admissions at special schools and aftercare facilities were highlighted as a great need.
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    Exploring the perceptions of Church of England in South Africa (CESA) pastors : about the nature and extent of social development projects in the Western Cape region
    (2008) Roux, Michéle; O'Brien, Connie
    Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 107-112).
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    Exploring the Potential for Wilderness Therapy as an Intervention Method with At-Risk Youth in South Africa
    (2022) Masters, Emily; Bruyns, Cindee
    This study explored the potential for Wilderness Therapy, a recognized intervention involving outdoor living, adventure activities and individualized therapeutic components, as an intervention method with at-risk youth in South Africa. Although there are several youth targeting programmes in South Africa that incorporate outdoor living and adventure activities, it is unclear how these programmes are integrating evidence-based Wilderness Therapy. This study investigated current wilderness programmes being used to intervene with South African youth and the therapeutic components these programmes incorporate. The study considered understandings of Wilderness Therapy held by those working in South African wilderness programmes and examined the context-specific opportunities and obstacles they experienced. This qualitative study utilized one-on-one remote interviews using Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp call and telephonic communication. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling was used to select 18 research respondents who worked within South African wilderness-based programmes targeting at-risk youth. The respondents had to have been involved in at least two of these programmes and spent multiple nights with the youth, in an outdoor setting. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Tesch's (1990) method of qualitative data analysis was then used to analyse the data. The findings of this study revealed that wilderness programmes in South Africa utilize similar activities, environments, approaches and methods to those used in the internationally recognised method of Wilderness Therapy. The therapeutic aspects considered essential within Wilderness Therapy were not found to be incorporated in South African programmes, however they did include indigenous South African teaching methods such as storytelling, peer feedback and inter-generational mentoring within a group setting. The findings of this study revealed that those working within South African wilderness programmes had little awareness of similar methods proven successful in other countries, such as Wilderness Therapy, and that they felt that wilderness-based programmes were not well understood or appreciated by key role players. Limited reliable financial support, logistical challenges, a lack of evidence-based research and high numbers of youth needing intervention, were revealed to be significant challenges for those working in South African wilderness programmes. The study revealed that collaborations between organizations, schools and government were a particular strength of South African wilderness programmes, according to those that work within them. The main recommendations, that arose from the study, for staff implementing youth-targeting wilderness programmes in South Africa are to grow their knowledge of South African teaching methods and Wilderness Therapy to enrich their programmes. Management of wilderness programmes are recommended to increase NGO collaborations, use social media to improve public awareness and incorporate an educational and employment focus within their programmes. Increased collaboration between existing programmes is recommended to establish standardized staff training and practices. It is suggested that Social Workers provide family and reintegration services to youth attending wilderness programmes as well as increase their involvement within these programmes. The Department of Social Development is recommended to provide financial support and facilitating NGO collaborations for wilderness programmes. It is recommended that future researchers conduct a variety of different type of research on South African wilderness programmes.
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    Factors causing the rejection of state patients by their families and relatives and the effects of the rejection on the patient
    (2009) Mdunyelwa, Siviwe; Sturgeon, Shona
    The process of rehabilitating State Patients requires that they go out on leave of absence (LOA), once their psychiatric condition has settled to spend time with their families away from the hospital environment. The cooperation of the family or relatives is crucial as the patient is going to need supervision while he is at home. The family therefore should be prepared to accept him. The research was conducted at Valkenberg Hospital in the Western Cape. A qualitative approach was used to explore and describe the factors that cause the rejection of State Patients by their families and relatives and the effects of the rejection on the patient. A random sample was drawn from patients who are currently occupying beds in the forensic wards at Valkenberg Hospital, and have not been out on leave for at least one year and above. Ten patients were selected and relatives of these patients were interviewed. Emergent findings were that relatives were not willing to accept the patients because of lack of knowledge and understanding of the illness and also out of the fear of not knowing if and when the patient will re-offend. Substance abuse and aggression emerged as the main factors that families were struggling with and a high percentage of the respondents mentioned these as major difficulties for them. The patients who were interviewed appeared to be struggling with expressing their feelings, and could not articulate how the rejection affected their mental state or whether it affected them at all.
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    First time parents' perceptions of their relationship across the transition to parenthood
    (2014) Jankelson-Groll, Cheryl Maryilyn; Williams, Fatima
    The transition to parenthood is a time of heightened risk for marital distress due to the changes and demands experienced by new parents. The quality of the marital relationship has an influence on child development and on adult well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the marital relationship when couples became parents._ and to understand how these changes impacted on the marital relationship. Factors that alleviated or exacerbated the negative effects of this transition on the couple relationship were identified and discussed. Data was collected from first-time parents using an exploratory qualitative method. Participants in heterosexual marriages with a baby aged between 3 months to a year were recruited, using non-probability purposive sampling, followed by snowball sampling. Nine couples were recruited through midwives and doulas in private practice and through their clients. Individual face to face interviews were conducted using an interview schedule as a guideline. The interviews were recorded electronically, transcribed and analysed following Tesch’s (2009) method of data analysis. The findings reflect high levels of overall marital satisfaction both before and after the transition to parenthood amongst many participants. At the same time, participants reported negative changes in certain aspects of their relationship. Protective and risk factors were identified for the marital relationship across the transition to parenthood. Recommendations were made to various stakeholders, as well as for future research.