Abstract

205 submissions

# Sort descending	Operations	Status	Status	Title	Lastname	Firstname	eMail	Institution	Title of Presentatation	Theme Selection	Abstract
185	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	NDONGA	MOREBLESSING MEMORY	[email protected]	STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY	MITIGATING CHILD MALTREATMENT THROUGH ASSESSMENT IN CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	In South Africa, the implementation of child protection service assessments assumes paramount importance in the endeavour to address and mitigate child maltreatment, ultimately facilitating the realisation of children's rights to care and protection, as stipulated in international, regional, and domestic policies and legislation. Social workers are important role players in the care and protection of children in South Africa because they are the only professionals who are legally tasked with undertaking assessments of at-risk children. The research study therefore investigated the challenges faced by social workers in assessment practice in child protection services. A qualitative research methodology was employed and explorative and descriptive research designs were utilised. The most important conclusion indicates that social workers utilise the prescribed actuarial-based risk assessment tool and that there is a lack of the utilisation of the consensus-based assessment tool. Recommendations are presented on the actions that could be taken to improve assessment practice.
186	View	Accepted	Pending Review	Ms.	Nyilana	Hlengiwe Pretty	[email protected]	Caprisa	BARRIERS TO CARE FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE LIVING WITH MDR-TB/HIV IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	BARRIERS TO CARE FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE LIVING WITH MDR-TB/HIV IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA Adherence to MDR-TB treatment comes with numerous challenges, among which is a high pill burden, the management of side effects, and navigating a complex, fragmented and often unresponsive healthcare system. These challenges are more intense and multiply for the homeless population. We analyze a case vignette drawn from a current study based in Sydenham, KwaZulu-Natal, using empirical data on structural, behavioural, and psychosocial barriers to assess the additional challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. We find that long-term substance use, trauma, social exclusion, stigma, and loss of family combined with severe illness and housing instability create seemingly insurmountable barriers to care. However, local services, including social work and nursing, organized around the health and psychosocial needs of homeless people may create stability to facilitate care and create potential pathways to recovery. Social work can play a unique role in meeting the complex needs of this vulnerable population.
187	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Hazel	Sindisiwe	[email protected]	University of Zululand	The implementation challenges of the Ke- Moja substance abuse programme in Zululand Districtin South Africa	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Topic: The implementation challenges of Ke – Moja substance abuse programme : the social work perspective. Substance abuse is regarded as a severe socio-economic challenge affecting children and youth in schools and communities The majority of schools and families are struggling with children abusing alcohol and drugs and this affects their school performance and morally acceptable behaviour. The programme was introduced to address this challenge and with a view to developing the social and life skills to improve the children's behaviour. The objective of this article is to discuss the challenges facing social workers when implementing the programme. The study is grounded on the ecological - systems theory which embraces the interdependent nature of the causes and effects of substance abuse. This is a qualitative research design study with a sample of 15 social workers from the Zululand district. The in-depth interviews were conducted. The findings revealed that there is a shortage of resources, Lack of supervision, Insufficient training, and limited access to learners. In conclusion, the development of the monitoring and evaluation tool is important that will assist social workers to manage the programme.
188	View	Pending Review	Pending Review	Ms.	Human	Melanie	[email protected]	Stellenbosch University	Emotional poverty of older persons in residential facilities	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Statistics indicate that the number of persons over 60 outnumber children younger than 5 years. It is estimated that in 2050, 80% of older persons will live in developing countries where resources to ensure their wellbeing are limited. A significant number of older persons in residential facilities are prone to emotional poverty, thus feeling isolated and depressed that is detrimental to their wellbeing. It is especially the experiences of losses such as decline in health, death of loved ones and limited freedom that contribute to emotional poverty. It is against this background that this qualitative study was conducted with the aim to explore the experiences of older persons in residential facilities as well as social workers rendering services to older persons regarding emotional poverty. Twenty older persons and ten social workers in the Western Cape took part in this study and were interviewed following a semi structured interview guide. Ethical clearance (SU23761) was obtained for this study. The findings of this study indicate the vital role social workers play in the Gerontology field as part of the multidisciplinary team to reduce the emotional poverty of older persons. More social work research is needed to improve the wellbeing of older persons.
189	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Coleman	Robyn	[email protected]	University of Fort Hare	Capacitate professionals to build theories with grounded theory from data on the ground: Phases one and two of Generation Z social media experiences.	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Researchers have avoided utilising grounded theory due to its viewed complexity of having both evolved and stayed the same since 1967. Navigating the giants of grounded theory takes patience to wade through its density and various approaches, however, the research outcome supersedes this. The statistical fact Generation Z is the most anxious cohort fueled this study to obtain data to further understand this phenomenon within the context of social media engagement. This study has adopted the constructivist grounded theory approach which requires an open mind to hear participants, without the influence of previous theories and literature intruding on the study. The data from the ground is systematically obtained, iteratively and comparatively analysed while being co-constructed with the researcher towards building a theory. The iterative data that has been collected and analysed for phase one and phase two reveals the significance of obtaining data from the ground.
190	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	September	Uwarren	[email protected]	University of the Western Cape	SOCIAL WORK AND POLICE SERVICES IN ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES TO FAMILIES	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	In South Africa, the Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) proposes a collaborative relationship between the South African Police Services (SAPS) and mental health care practitioners (MHCP) such as social workers. Police officers are often contacted when a family member is experiencing a mental health crisis. The way in which these families and patients are treated can impact their human rights. There is a lack of published data on this issue; hence the need to investigate the views of social workers about the challenges experienced by families with police services. A qualitative research methodology was employed, and explorative and descriptive research designs were utilised. The most important conclusion indicated that the experiences of families with SAPS support were poor. Recommendations are presented on the actions that could be taken by social workers to improve relationships between SAPS and families of relatives with a mental illness to improve support services.
191	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Ntimbane	Nompumelelo	[email protected]	Social Development -Ubombo Service Office	Integrated intervention by the State and Community structures in crime prevention	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	In Jozini, Northen part of KZN; there is high number of children who are in conflict with the law. Crime prevention programmes were used to understand this phenomenon. Findings revealed that most of these children are from dysfunctional families, and born out of wedlock. Hence, children lack parental supervision and guidance. This makes them vulnerable to social illnesses which leads to committing offences. Integrated mode of service delivery can be used in the fight against crime. Such services must include family strengthening for the purpose of preservation.
192	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	Mkhize	Nkanyiso	[email protected]	University of Zululand	Re-examining the conceptualisation of a substance dependant service user in involuntary treatment, taking into account the South African legislation (the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act No. 70 of 2008).	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Substance use is a widespread devastating global problem. The UNODC reports that approximately 269 million people use drugs, and the number of those with substance use disorders (SUDs) will rise by eleven percent globally and forty percent in Africa by 2030. Despite the high demand for treatment, many individuals with SUD seeks professional help involuntarily and often relapses shortly after treatment. This paper addresses the insufficient understanding of involuntary service users, impacting the delivery of their treatment services as defined by the Prevention of, and treatment for substance dependence act. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with 11 youth from UThungulu District in KwaZulu-Natal. The neglect of underlying user needs and the lack of personal motivation for treatment were the identified key factors contributing to treatment failures. This paper highlights the necessity for clear legislation to define involuntary service users for establishing appropriate norms and standards for their treatment programs.
193	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Kiwelu	Abigail	[email protected]	Makerere University	Spirituality and Religion as Coping Strategies for Older Persons Living in Korogwe District	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	In this article, I explore religion and spirituality as coping mechanisms assisting Older Persons Living with HIV (OPLHIV) in Korogwe District in Tanzania. Specific attention is to OPLHIV religious conduct, how OPLHIV perception of God influence their wellness, influence of religious and spiritual practices in coping mechanisms applied by OPLHIV. Findings of the study result from in-depth interviews conducted with 13 purposefully selected OPLHIV living in Korogwe. In the article, findings are categorized as follows; (i) OPLHIV consider being spiritual or more religious after being diagnosed with HIV, (ii) Understanding God, His Messengers and his “messengers” directly affects the health of OPLHIV and (iii) Religion and Spirituality bring optimism about the future the older one grows with HIV infection. Thorough analysis of the findings direct the study towards recommending that… (i)Religious leaders must state clearly their health policy before the central, local government and the people (ii) More awareness is needed, backed by empirical evidence on religious and spiritual practices that have taken OPLHIV to their doom (iii) Social works must have adequate knowledge and context related skills to make people aware on how to apply spirituality and religious practices to improve their quality of life physically, mentally and socially.
194	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Coleman	Robyn	[email protected]	University of Fort Hare	Capacitate professionals to build theories with grounded theory from data on the ground: Phases one and two of Generation Z social media experiences.	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Researchers have avoided utilising grounded theory due to its viewed complexity of having both evolved and stayed the same since 1967. Navigating the giants of grounded theory takes patience to wade through its density and various approaches, however, the research outcome supersedes this. The statistical fact Generation Z is the most anxious cohort fueled this study to obtain data to further understand this phenomenon within the context of social media engagement. This study has adopted the constructivist grounded theory approach which requires an open mind to hear participants, without the influence of previous theories and literature intruding on the study. The data from the ground is systematically obtained, iteratively and comparatively analysed while being co-constructed with the researcher towards building a theory. The iterative data that has been collected and analysed for phase one and phase two reveals the significance of obtaining data from the ground.
195	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Lubanyana	Nothando	[email protected]	University of KwaZulu-Natal	COVID-19 pandemic, higher education and online learning	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	The COVID-19 pandemic brought in its wake unforeseen challenges in higher education. Many institutions of higher learning prohibited contact learning and introduced the concept of online learning in institutions of higher learning. Distance learning which is generally known as online learning plays a vital role in the country's education system. It is undeniable that online learning provides ample of benefits to students. Nevertheless, there are also many negative implications from online education. The University of KwaZulu-Natal faced challenges with online learning for undergraduate students. This paper intends to review challenges faced by students who used online learning as a core medium of learning during COVID-19 pandemic. The study was underpinned by the theory of teaching and learning. The study adopted the literature review approach using various sources to interrogate challenges of online learning on undergraduate students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Several challenges have been identified and these issues have to be resolved in order to sustain the quality of education for future generations. The study suggested that the institutions of higher learning must invest in devising and improving the existing online learning platforms, as well as expanding provision of internet access and provide training for the students.
196	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Lubanyana	Nothando	[email protected]	University of KwaZulu-Natal	Reflections of Social Work Interns on The Experiences of Transitioning from Classroom to Real-World Setting	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	Internships have gained significant popularity as an educational resource for students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and practical experience in real-world settings (Du-Babcock, 2016). O’Higgins & Pinedo (2018) cited in the Employment Policy Department say that there is relatively little solid evidence on the impact of internships on subsequent labour market experiences of young people. Internships are progressively being recognized as a crucial component of the transition from school to the workforce and continue to facilitate a polished shift from the academic setting to the practical world of work (Anjum, 2022). This presentation draws on my experiences as an intern in an academic institution. The main benefits include applying theoretical knowledge in the real world, developing professional connections and relationships, direct job offers are probable. Some of the issues that may be addressed are that internships are temporary and underpaying, there is too much work & we tend to be afraid to ask questions regarding work. With the anxiety normally associated with the uncertainty of employment in the social work field, internships are an excellent way for students to gain the necessary soft skills for the job market.
197	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Nqayi	zamansele	[email protected]	University of KwaZulu Natal	Challenges faced by MA'AT Institute therapists during COVID 19 and flood disasters	THEME 2: Building sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant communities through indigenous modalities, inter-sectoral collaborations, and partnerships	Covid 19 and the KwaZulu Natal flood disasters have had a profound effect in the provision of psychosocial support in MA’AT Institute therapists. This paper investigates the challenges and experiences faced by the MA’AT Institute therapists who provided psychosocial support while affected by the societal stressors of Covid 19 and the Flood disasters. In writing the paper a semi structured questionnaire was used, as a self-interview guide to gain insight on the experiences of the therapists during Covid-19 and flood disasters. The impact of Covid `19 and floods resulted in an investigation around mental health and wellbeing of the therapists; having work/life boundaries, connectivity issues and the therapists being prone to teletherapy which was a new intervention method in psychosocial support for the therapists. The concept of therapy is used in a sense relating that therapy was used by all persons, not only those who are predisposed to to Western methods of working. During Covid 19 and Flood disasters the support provided by the MA’AT Institute therapists included Individual therapy, group work and community work. The provision of psychosocial support by the MA’AT Institute therapists, was adequate support to meet the needs of the services users despite the societal stressors.
198	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Malan	Hanelie	[email protected]	North-West University	Wellness of social work students and educators: risk and protective factors in social work training programmes at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	The social work profession is only as strong as the professionals who practice it. However, during their work and training, social workers and student social workers must manage many stressful and emotionally taxing matters that may affect their well-being. These stressors require practitioners to have inner strength and resilience. Rising awareness of threats to staff and student wellness in the social work training and educational environment affects graduates’ outcomes and practice readiness. This study, therefore, embarks on a quantitative and qualitative investigation to determine both the risk and protective factors in social work training programmes across a selection of Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It seeks to make recommendations for both the development of the curriculum and support structures that need to be in place to support both staff and students.
199	View	Accepted	Accepted	Mr.	Kanes	Ivan	[email protected]	NWU Potchesftroom	Developing an intelligent online counselling framework for an employee health and wellness programme	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	The Fourth Industrial Revolution, described as the rapid and exponential development of internet technology resulting in concepts such as the internet of things and artificial intelligence being introduced in daily life, dramatically reshaping society. This presentation explores the possibility of supplementing counselling services by Artificial intelligent chatbots within the context of employee health and wellness programs, investigating whether the necessary social work relevant vocabulary can be developed for powering the intelligence of such conversational agents. Chatbots and conversational user interfaces have gained recognition as valuable tools to humans since 2016. While AI therapy agents have been developed in psychology, their application in social work remains limited. The research underpinning these efforts consists of the development of a conceptual AI generative chatbot counselling framework through a mixed-methods design, combining literature review, qualitative analysis of live chat transcripts and quantitative frequency analysis to converge in framework design using the Multinomial Naive Bayes theorem and Systems Development Life Cycle, and refinement through a Delphi study. The paper explains some of these methodologies in simplified terms, answering whether intelligent responding chatbots can be developed within social work. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Chatbot, Health Information Technology, Mental Health, Social Work
200	View	Accepted	Accepted	Dr.	Giliomee	Corlie	[email protected]	University of Pretoria	Human rights-based psychosocial services, applying Dembour's Four Schools of Human Rights Framework	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma	Applying a human rights perspective to the delivery of psychosocial services in response to trauma and other shocks that people experience, can be more effective if Dembour's Four Schools of Human Rights Framework is used to design these services. The four schools are the naturalist, deliberative, protest and discourse schools. Based on an in-depth literature study and my social work practice, I have adapted Dembour's four schools to design and deliver social work services that encompass the multifacetedness of human rights-based social work practice. This paper will explain what the four schools entail and how they can be applied to the delivery of psychosocial services, especially services to individuals, groups and communities that have to stand up against trauma and adverse circumstances.
201	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Ngubane	Samkelisiwe	[email protected]	University of KwaZulu Natal	The interface between patriarchy, gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa: A review of existing literature	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Introduction: Egalitarianism is a philosophical perspective that advocates against the leading factors of GBV and femicide, which are patriarchy and elite. Statistics show that women are more susceptible to gender-based violence (GBV). Gender-inequality has been observed to be ahistorical and eternal, with little focus on how its complexity contributes to GBV and femicide. Therefore, this review aims to explore how egalitarianism in intimate and other relationships can fight against GBV and femicide. Methods: Literature search from various databases was used. Retrieved articles were screened to incorporate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Thematic analyses were conducted on relevant studies with a focus on promoting egalitarianism as response to GBV and femicide. Result and Discussion: The screened studies revealed that in cultures where patriarchy is exercised, it grooms boys under the mindset of being dominant which leads them to be aggressive toward females while girls are passive, subordinate, and dependent. This somehow shapes women to be economically vulnerable, and inferior in refusing any form of GBV. Conclusion: Gender-inequality and exposure to GBV increase the risk of femicide in our communities. Religious leaders and community-based organizations can be used as medium of communication to promote egalitarianism in communities. Keywords: Egalitarianism; Patriarchy; Gender-based violence; Femicide.
202	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Dano	Babalwa	[email protected]	University fo KwaZulu-Natal	Mentoring Social Work unemployed graduate through the DSI-HSRC mentorship program: The Reflections of Social Work Academics at UKZN.	THEME 4: Quality management and enhancement of social services	“Mentoring has been identified as a key mechanism to assist early career academics with career progression” (Iversen, Eady & Wessely,2014:). This paper explores the experiences of social work academics who participated in the DSI-HSRC mentorship program that is designed to provide work experience to unemployed graduates. This paper highlights the importance of volunteering to mentor unemployed graduates as a mechanism in building professional capacity of social work graduates. It reflects on the lessons learnt by social work academics on developmental mentoring and good practices, the benefits of the internship program for interns, and for mentors. Due to high levels of graduate unemployment in South Africa, the authors propose and encourages social service practitioners and academics to consider the opportunities that are awarded by similar programs on internship and absorb the unemployed graduates into their workspace. Keywords: mentoring, Internship program, social work, academia, career, unemployed graduates.
203	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Xulu	Bongekile	[email protected]	Osizweni	Advocating for and reducing the vulnerabilities of LGBTQI+ population	THEME 1: Promoting stakeholder partnerships that protect, support and enhance resilience during adverse events and trauma
204	View	Accepted	Accepted	Ms.	Coleman	Robyn	[email protected]	University of Fort Hare	Tools to guide parents through the adversity of social media: a literature review 2021-2023	THEME 3: Strategies toward the normative development of society	Generation Z, born in a world driven by technology, has been identified as the most anxious cohort to date; where spending 9 hours daily online is a normal way to function and communicate. GenZ is at a heightened time of identity formation, navigating their emotional reactions and learning to regulate themselves. With the undercurrent of online platforms requiring constant interaction, emotions are aroused by a response or lack thereof on their posts; the response arousal can influence the user’s well-being by taking the shape of mixed emotions including anxiety and rumination. A literature review of tools and guidance to empower and capacitate parents within their parental journey INDICATES THAT tools such as co-monitoring and joint parental use of online platforms have had a greater effect towards reduced online usage than applying restrictive measures with their adolescents.

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2023 Conference