Abstract

205 submissions

# Sort descending	Operations	Status	Status	Title	Lastname	Firstname	eMail	Institution	Title of Presentatation	Theme Selection	Abstract
165	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Tusasiirwe	Sharlotte	[email protected]	Western Sydney University	Advancing a Decolonising-First Approach to social work education: Experiences in a social work classroom in Australia	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	There is some widespread consensus about the need to create a decolonised social work education but the question remains: how do we do this? There are limited examples of how decolonisation-in-action looks like. Drawing on practical examples and experiences of a black African social work educator teaching domestic and international students in a social work classroom in Australia, the presentation will demonstrate how a decolonisation-First approach was applied to social work curriculum, teaching model, students’ assessments, to disrupt social work’s complicity in colonising project. Students’ reflections on the subject content and teaching approach will be shared to give participants insights into how decolonising curriculum is experienced by end users.
166	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Singh	Annie	[email protected]	University of KwaZulu-Natal	The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the remote learning of high school learners with hearing impairment disabilities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Abstract The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the education sector, especially the with regard to the education of hearing-impaired learners. Although these actions had significantly slowed the spread of the virus, they have also caused a number of difficulties that have had a negative impact on educational systems for children with hearing impairment disabilities the world over. Online learning has presented a particular set of challenges for education for learners with hearing impairment during Covid-19. This paper will investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the remote learning of the high school learners with hearing impairment disabilities in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The research findings that are presented are intended to assist policy makers, teacher, parents and learners to learn about the impact of Covid-19 on the remote learning of high school learners with hearing impairment disabilities.
167	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Singh	Vanessa	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	The utilization of a Multi-Sectoral approach when working with children awaiting trial in the secure care centres	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	South Africa is confronted with social ills that impact negatively on the lives of children exacerbating their vulnerability. Over 120 children were in conflict with the law in 2021-2022 due to peer pressure, substance abuse and gangsterism. The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 allows for the admission of children in conflict with the law to secure care centres where they receive psycho-social interventions, residential diversion and therapeutic services and recreational activities to reduce recidivism among youth offenders. While these interventions are undertaken collaboratively with probation offices, prosecutors, police, and community stakeholders, and have reduced re-admissions to secure care facilities, after care services are lacking when working with children awaiting trial.
168	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Schmidt	Kim	[email protected]	University of Fort Hare (East London)	Building a multidisciplinary workforce for an early childhood home-visiting programme in South Africa	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	This paper examines the roles and involvement of various disciplines in an early childhood home-visiting programme. These findings emerged from a qualitative study that aimed to develop an early childhood home-visiting programme for vulnerable children in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Findings determined that for such a programme the most effective workforce would be a multidisciplinary workforce which brings together local community-based knowledge and professional expertise from across a range of disciplines.
169	View	Pending Review	Pending Review	Ms.	Singh	Vanessa	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	The utilization of a Multi-Sectoral Approach when working with children awaiting trial in the secure care centres	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	South Africa is confronted with social ills that impact negatively on the lives of children exacerbating their vulnerability. Over 120 children were in conflict with the law in 2021-2022 due to peer pressure, substance abuse and gangsterims. The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 allows for the admission of children in conflict with the law to secure care centres where they receive psycho-social interventions, residential diversion and therapeutic services and recreational activities to reduce recidivism among youth offenders. While these interventions are undertaken collaboratively with probation offices, prosecutors, police, and community stakeholders, and have reduced re-admissions to secure care facilities, after care services are lacking when working with children awaiting trial.
170	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Zulu	Nokuthula	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	Financial barriers to accessing health care services: caregivers of children with physical disabilities.	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	This qualitative study aimed to understand the financial obstacles faced by the caregivers utilizing health care services in the public health sector for children with physical disabilities in Nongoma, KwaZulu Natal. Data from the interviews showed that the social grant is insufficient, high cost transport impede access, absence of assistance in caregiving responsibilities, unavailability of mobility aids such a wheelchairs and also the care burden often place as a strain on caregivers. It is recommended to improve health care services and access to health care services, appropriate assistive device allocation be made available at lower cost, disability awareness and anti-discriminatory training for frontline workers be implemented.
171	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Singh	Vanessa	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	A Multi-Sectoral Approach in the provision of services to homeless people in Durban, South Africa	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	To contain the spread of Coved 19 during the national state of emergency in 2020, a level 5 hard lockdown was implemented countrywide in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 0f 2002 in South Africa. In line with the promulgation, the Department of Social Development, together with other stakeholders viz SAPS, Department of Health and Non Profit organizations were tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the removal of homeless from the streets to safe facilities such as shelters provided by the Ethekwini municipality. Social workers conducted assessments, rendered psychosocial, family reunification and recreational programes to support homeless people in different shelters. At least 30 percent of homeless people were reunified with families, and they received support for substance abuse and mental health issues, which were identified. The multifaceted needs of people living on the streets need to be prioritized and a more integrated approach to be used.
172	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Mdletshe	Sithembile	[email protected]	Department of social development ingwavuma service office	Supervision as a critical element in Social service professions	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	The professionalism in social services workplace has lost its value, due to the lack of proper supervision, support and development. Hence this study seek to uplift the professional capacity building in supervision since it is vital for the motivation of employees, and helping them advance in their careers and profession it’s self. Interviews carried out with ingwavuma social workers, in Kwazulu-Natal ; discovered that there is poor performance and lack of interest as one-o one and group supervision sessions are no longer carried out. Social workers also cited favouritism when appointing employees to attend trainings and workshops for development as another problem. Close supervision sessions , fair training and workshop nominations will enhance positive change in building professional capacity in social service professions through supervision, support and development.
173	View	Pending Review	Pending Review	Dr.	Seepamore	Boitumelo	[email protected]	ukzn	testing sorry guys	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	testing
174	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Khuzwayo	Hloniphile	[email protected]	University of KwaZulu Natal	RDP HOUSING PROGRAM AND FAMILY PRESERVATION: THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUTH IN RURAL AREA OF ILEMBE DISTRICT	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	The RDP initiative, designed to address housing disparities and uplift vulnerable communities, holds significant implications for family preservation and social cohesion. This abstract under the theme of strategies towards the normative development of society, explores the experiences of young adults from rural areas of Ilembe with the provision of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing program. The abstract will examine how the provision of RDP houses has impacted family dynamics, economic prospects, and social integration in rural communities. The abstract will shed light on the challenges and opportunities young adults encounter within the context of improved living conditions and how these factors influence their sense of belonging, empowerment, and well-being. Moreover, the abstract will emphasize the importance of sustainable social development and family-centered interventions. This abstract will contribute valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance community resilience and foster positive outcomes for vulnerable populations in rural areas. Keywords: families, community resilience, vulnerability, family preservation
175	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Dlamini	Charity Sithabile	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	An investigation into the experiences of adolescents taking antiretroviral from birth in Kwazulu -Natal	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	The devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa led to a breakdown of families with parents dying, children being orphaned and many living in child-headed households. Following vertical transmission of HIV, adolescents who were initiated on ART from birth face adherence challenges. A desktop methodology was used to investigate the secondary data systematically using journal articles, websites, StatsSA, Caprisa and departmental reports. Readily available information to the public was attained to provide the caregivers living in rural areas with facts to increase understanding of their adolescent children, HIV and chronic treatment through public platforms. Findings suggest that while adolescents navigate growth, relationships, intimacy and disclosure, their adherence is affected. The gap identified was that the multidisciplinary teams are addressing the holistic client needs, but there is an unequal distribution of resources between rural and urban areas. The findings will be included in interventions that have a central focus on parenting.
176	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Ngubane	Nozipho Babra	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	Combating substance abuse amongst learners in South African schools	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	Substance abuse is one of the pandemics that destroy the future of young people in South African schools leading to a number of social ills which exacerbate the economic deterioration of the country. This study explored the legislative framework in combating substance abuse among learners in South African schools. A literature review of legislative frameworks in different countries shows the causes of substance abuse and its effects on learners, their families, in schools, communities and the country at large. The findings show that although a legislative framework is available in South Africa but the implementation part is lacking compared to other countries such as Germany and Netherlands. Implementing the existing legislation while adopting strategies such as harm reduction which is a proven method may be effective and might have a great impact in combating substance abuse especially amongst South African learners in all spheres of education from primary to tertiary.
177	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Khumalo	Nompumelelo	[email protected]	Department of Social Development Umzinyathi District	The Integrated round table intervention method in teenage pregnancy awareness within uMzinyathi district in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Teenage pregnancy is a major public health and social concern in South Africa, particularly in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. This conceptual paper aims to study the effectiveness of the integrated round table intervention method in raising awareness about teenage pregnancy and promoting safe sexual practices among adolescents. A statistical analysis method was used, quarterly reports from the Department of Social Development on the round table intervention for three local municipalities under the uMzinyathi District Municipality were utilized. The analysis showed that there has been a slight decrease in teenage pregnancy statistics mainly due to implementation of the round table approach, this approach includes children, parents and stakeholders where dialogues are held with both children and parents, the issues raised are then attended to by relevant departments. It is recommended that Local Municipalities strengthen the implementation of the round table intervention. Keywords: Teenage Pregnancy, Department of Social Development, Round Table, Interventions.
178	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Simeon De Jager	Elzahne	[email protected]	North West University	The implementation of legislation that guides service delivery to child headed households: A Social work perspective	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Section 150 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, as well as the Children’s Amendment Act 41 of 2007, consider children living in child headed households as children in need of care and protection. In an effort to protect these children, Section 137 of the Children’s Amendment Act give specific guidelines on supervisory services to child headed households in South Africa. Although the Children’s Act has set guidelines for service delivery to child headed households, there is no certainty of the successful implementation of these guidelines to address the needs of this target group. This study attempted to find out what social workers' views are regarding the implementation of legislation with regard to social work services to child headed households. The study applied semi-structured interviews with social workers to explore their views on the implementation of Section 137 of the Children’s Amendment Act 41 of 2007 to address the challenges of child headed households. This study revealed that there were gaps to address in social work services provided to child headed households and the implementation of the Act.
179	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Mpepho	Pumeza	[email protected]	Department of Social Development, Gamalakhe Service Office	Exploring the Meaning and and Life Satisfaction of 60 to 90 year-old Retired Individuals in Gamalakhe Township, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality:South Coast Of KwaZulu-Natal	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	The research study was a qualitative study from empirical research evidence.The aim of the study was to explore the meaning and life satisfaction of 60 to 90 year-old retired individuals.To understand the lived experiences of participants as unique individuals. The retired individuals face a multitude of social ,economic and psychological challenges.They fall victims of rejection,isolation and social scorn.These experiences often lead to enxiety,depression,and suicidal ideations. Data collection was conducted through in-depth qualitative research interviews.The study was conducted during Covid-19 pandemic,therefore interviews were telephonically. The participants were selected purposefully.Thematic analysis of the transcripts revealed seven themes. Evidence shows that meaning and life satisfaction can be maintained during retirement age.The recommendations include that (i)Government should strengthen Laws and Policies which protects the elderly from abuse and neglect.(ii)The society should unlearn hamful myths and dangerous stigma associated with old age.
180	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Muller-Kluits	Noreth	[email protected]	University of the Witwatersrand	SUPPORT SERVICES UTILISED BY ADULTS WITH AN ACQUIRED DISABILITY	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	While at least a billion people have a disability, excluding their families that are also affected, the necessary support and recognition are often lacking. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) can be considered a minority group deserving of all the rights and respect that granted to any other minority group. PWDs who acquire their disability later in life utilise several support services as they adjust and ‘grieve’ the life prior to the disability onset. The goal of this study was to explore what support services are utilised by PWDs. According to the ecological perspective support services could occur on a micro-, meso- exo- and macro level. A qualitative study with an explorative and descriptive design was utilised to meet the goal of the study. Nineteen PWDs and five social workers took part in the study. Data collection took place during Covid-19 restrictions therefore interviews were conducted online. Ethical clearance (SU13290) was obtained for this study. Findings of the study indicate that support services across the different levels of the ecological perspective were used by PWDs including family members, community facilities, social workers and healthcare systems. A bottom-up approach is recommended for inclusion of PWDs in service delivery to them and their families.
181	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Mbatha	Thobeka	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	Evaluation of psychosocial support services rendered to victims of natural disasters at Dannhauser Municipality by Social Workers.	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	The province of KwaZulu Natal experienced extreme weather conditions in April 2022. A significant number of people in Dannhauser became survivors of natural disasters in April 2022. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the psychosocial support services rendered to victims of natural disasters by social workers. Descriptive qualitative analysis was used to review fifty social work reports on psychosocial support services rendered to survivors of natural disasters. Findings showed there is no; indication of response time to victims of trauma, clear description of psychological trauma experienced by victims, and intervention services focused on material loss. There is no indication of how many survivors were removed from their homes. The developed plan of action does not indicate holistic intervention service. Recommendations; holistic psychosocial support services must be provided to victims of trauma.
182	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Vilakazi	Nelisiwe Ignatia	[email protected]	Department of Social Development	Developing a social development empowerment model for women's participation in poverty reduction programmes in Umzinyathi District-KwaZulu Natal	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Women who reside in rural areas and farms are particularly marginalized and live in extreme levels of poverty which are below the national income standard. Poverty continues to be on the agenda of many countries in the international arena. The history of apartheid characterised by systematic oppression and marginalisation of `black citizens has contributed to studies documenting the extent of poverty in South Africa. The study adopts a qualitative approach that has assessed the experiences of twenty women who participated in poverty reduction programmes in uMzinyathi District, in Kwa Zulu Natal. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is the design that enabled the researcher to delve into the circumstances of women influencing or impacting their participation in poverty reduction programmes. Further the study wss guided by an empowerment theory which asserts that poverty reduction programmes must consider the social and historical experience of the disadvantaged women in processes of enhancing their livelihood and development. The findings reveal that the majority of women (80%) who participated in poverty reduction programmes still remain poor despite government interventions. The study recommends the development of a social development empowerment model that will address gender inequality, social and economic prejudices against unemployed women.
183	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Dhludhlu	Sandile	[email protected]	UNISA	The view of care-leavers on the opportunities of foster care placement in South Africa	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	The aim of this study is to understand the view of care-leavers on the opportunities of foster care placement in South Africa. The researcher has adopted a qualitative research approach as well as explorative, descriptive, and contextual research designs. This study comprised of 18 social workers and 18 care leavers from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and several Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC), and these participants were purposefully selected for the study. The process of data collection followed a semi-structured interview. The theories utilised are Ecological Systems Theory, Social Support Theory, Resilience Theory and Attachment Theory. Findings indicate that there are opportunities for foster care placement in South Africa, namely; provision of basic needs, shelter, recreational activities, strengthening of relationship with the society, independency, helps to alleviate poverty, provision of therapy, educational opportunities and care and protection.
184	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Luthuli	Pinky	[email protected]	department of Social Development	Denial of contact to unmarried fathers: the need for further training and support to social workers	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	There has been a growing concern regarding children growing up without their fathers despite them being alive. Societal Norms and expectations often alienate men from parenting. Qualitative research was applied and in-depth interviews were conducted with unmarried father and mothers or maternal relatives. The data show that fathers re not always absent by choice but other social(gender roles),Cultural(payment of Inhlawulo) and economic(unemployement) factors contribute to single parenting . it is imperative for social workers and other related professionals to understand the law, especially Section 21 of the Children's Act(2005) and policies on guardianship and parenting plans. Men can be involved in co-parenting before birth, for instance at ante-natal classes, and society needs to change its attitude towards socially constructed gender differences by acknowledging men's role as nurtures, not only as providers.

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2023 Conference