3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Legal placement of orphaned children in related foster care : the perspectives of social workers.(2014-01-09) Manukuza, Khanyisile BAfter the transition from apartheid to democracy, the South African government embarked on designing policies and laws to address social problems and protect vulnerable groups in communities. Orphaned children are regarded as being vulnerable. The Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005 (as amended) is a legal document set to address issues related to vulnerable children and to ensure that their best interests are met. In terms of Section 150 of the said Act, orphaned children could be identified as children in need of care and protection if they are without visible means of support. However, this section of the Act is open to various interpretations and expectations. Social Workers at the Department of Social Development are currently under pressure to recommend to presiding officers of the Children’s Court that an orphaned child be legally placed in the foster care of the relative. However, presiding officers often question such recommendations because in their opinion the child does not present as a child in need of care and protection and as a result the recommendation made is rejected. This response lowers work morale because it displays disregard for the professional integrity of Social Workers and also increases their already high caseloads. This research study explored the perspectives of Social Workers regarding the legal placement of children in the foster care of relatives. Purposive sampling was used to recruit research participants, 30 foster care Social Work based at Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Metro Region. A qualitative research design was adopted. Data was gathered using personal interviews and focus groups. A semi-structured interview schedule was utilized to guide the structure of the personal interviews and focus groups. Data gathered was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings has provided insight into what intervention strategies are deemed to be in the best interests of vulnerable orphaned children from the perspective of social workers and possible recommendations for policy changes.Item Exploring formal and informal arrangements for care of orphans : a study in the Maseru District of Lesotho.(2009-03-02T09:52:41Z) Makape, Sylvia MakananeloThis study explores both formal and informal arrangements for care of orphans in the Maseru district of Lesotho. The study adopted a qualitative approach using both in-depth interviews and documentary research as the primary methods of data collection. The research findings show that care of orphans in Lesotho is predominantly in the hands of non-governmental and church based organisations. The government’s role is limited to the provision of technical support, including the formulation of policies and laws and some welfare grant provision in the form of free primary education. Care of orphans in the communities is undertaken not only by the extended family members of orphans, but also non-relation community members. It is clear however that while such informal arrangements might provide care and protection to orphan, many are struggling in the face of extreme hardship and poverty. A crisis of social reproduction is therefore increasingly apparent in Lesotho.Item "The emotional well-being, social adjustment and coping strategies of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS."(2009-01-27T09:01:08Z) Lumbi, Patricia C.This study looked at how children who are exposed to the impact of HIV/AIDS in their immediate families are affected and what coping strategies they employ. Research was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, involving eight female and eight male Zambian children between the ages of thirteen and sixteen, as research participants. Separate gender specific focus group discussions were held, after which the recorded proceedings were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. The study found that children experience socioeconomic difficulties, psychosocial deprivations, and insecurity as a result of parental death or illness. However, they are still able to find ways to survive and cope with their difficulties. State and private sector efforts have focussed primarily on addressing the socioeconomic needs of these children as this has been understood to be the most critical. The psychological impact of HIV/AIDS on children in Zambia, and the resultant needs that arise, will need to be tackled as a matter of priority.