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Abstract: Submission #201

Submission Number: 201
Submission ID: 1315
Submission UUID: 1fc43fa4-0b5b-4760-98fa-d2d787e0dc29
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts

Created: Fri, 06/27/2025 - 07:18
Completed: Fri, 06/27/2025 - 07:41
Changed: Thu, 08/14/2025 - 13:15

Remote IP address: 105.245.115.159
Submitted by: dhludsl@unisa.ac.za
Language: English

Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Title Dr.
Lastname Dhludhlu
Firstname Sandile
eMail Dhludsl@unisa.ac.za
Mobile 0725507599
Institution University of south afric
Biosketch Senior Lecturer and Researcher with nine years of academic experience in Social Work. He has published in peer-reviewed journals, supervised master's and PhD students, and presented at national and international conferences. His areas of expertise include statutory social work, youth leaving care, and social policy. From 2009 to 2015, he worked at the Department of Social Development, handling children’s court investigations, client intake, report writing, and community outreach. He is an effective communicator skilled in both in-person and virtual teaching, with a strong ability to translate complex ideas for diverse audiences.
Is there a Second Presenter? Yes
Title Ms.
Lastname Mphephu
Firstname Azwidohwi
eMail Azwidohwi.mphephu@gmail.com
Mobile 0726921651
Institution University of South Africa (PHD Candidate)
Biosketch Social worker with ten years of experience in intake and fieldwork practice. From 2015 to 2023, she served at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, where her duties included children’s court investigations, client intake, report writing, and community outreach. She is a skilled communicator, experienced in both in-person and virtual counselling. She currently works for the Department of Health.
Is there a Third Presenter? No
Title of Presentatation Fostering teenagers: Exploring the challenges and coping strategies of foster parents in Mogale City
Theme Selection THEME 3: Policy and Advocacy for Peace building, Environmental and Social Justice
Subtheme THREE Selection SUB 3.3 Social workers as advocates for environmental rights and sustainability.
Select your Presentation Type Oral Presentation
Abstract Abstract

In South Africa, foster care serves as one of the options for providing care and protection to children within their family of origin. However, this arrangement often presents challenges for foster parents, who may experience various difficulties in raising their teenage foster children. The primary goal of this study was to explore the challenges and coping strategies of foster parents raising teenage foster children. This qualitative study explored, described, and contextualised the challenges that are faced by foster parents raising teenage foster children. The study’s findings revealed that teenage foster children’s foster parents face various challenges in raising them. The challenges include teenage foster children back chatting their parents, coming home late at night, abusing substances, and demanding expensive clothes. However, foster parents reported various copying strategies that they adopted to survive the challenges that they faced. The study recommends that teenage foster children’s foster parents must receive ongoing support to enhance their coping strategies. The support may include the development of support groups, ongoing foster care supervision, and counselling for foster parents. The study provides empirical evidence that can influence social welfare policies, ensuring adequate financial, emotional, and psychological support for foster families.

Keywords: foster parents, teenage foster children, experiences, challenges, coping strategies, raising
Title Professor
Firstname Mbongeni
Lastname Sithole
Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? Yes
What Area does this Abstract Focus on? Empirical Research
Status Accepted
Title Prof
Firstname Roelf
Lastname Reyneke
Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? Yes
What Area does this Abstract Focus on? Empirical Research
Status Accepted
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