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Submission information
Submission Number: 205
Submission ID: 1339
Submission UUID: bec7869e-c398-4c1b-af50-e19cd111dff2
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Fri, 06/27/2025 - 14:28
Completed: Fri, 06/27/2025 - 15:03
Changed: Wed, 07/30/2025 - 13:54
Remote IP address: 102.66.192.170
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Ms.
Sebaka
Kelebogile
North west university
Kelebogile Sebaka is a dedicated social worker at Bethesda Outreach Ministries Children's Village, where she works closely with children in alternative care and their families. She is currently completing her Master’s degree, with a research focus on child protection—particularly the processes and practices surrounding family reunification. Her professional interests lie in strengthening systems that support the reintegration of children into safe, stable family environments. Through her academic work and practical experience, Kelebogile seeks to contribute to more effective, contextually relevant reunification services within the South African child protection landscape.
Yes
Ms.
Ratshidi-Kawadza
Katlego
North West University
Katlego Ratshidi-Kawadza is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at North-West University. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and specialises in child protection, with a particular focus on alternative forms of care for vulnerable children.
No
Abstract
Social work child intervention processes: factors that contribute towards effective family reunification
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.3 Work with special and vulnerable populations (children, families, women, older persons, LGBTQIA+ etc).
Oral Presentation
Family reunification remains a critical component of effective child protection practice. In South Africa, however, the process is frequently hindered by systemic challenges, including high caseloads, resource constraints, and the absence of standardised guidelines. These factors contribute to inconsistent intervention practices and prolonged placements in alternative care. This study explores the factors within statutory social work interventions that facilitate or impede successful reunification, drawing on the experiences of practitioners working within the child protection system.
A qualitative research design was adopted, using a collective case study approach. Five social workers from three Child Protection Organisations (CPOs) in Tshwane, Gauteng Province, participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, in which each participant described two cases: one that resulted in successful reunification within two years, and one where reunification was delayed. Data were analysed using Creswell’s data analysis spiral.
Findings highlight that early initiation of reunification planning, active parental involvement, strong relationships between social workers and families, and support from extended family and community resources contribute positively to reunification outcomes. Conversely, challenges such as limited organisational resources, lack of parental cooperation, and the absence of standardised reunification protocols emerged as key barriers.
The study recommends developing and implementing clear, standardised reunification protocols and strengthening systemic support through increased resources, inter-agency collaboration, and manageable caseloads. Incorporating trauma-informed interventions and structured aftercare is essential for long-term family stability. These findings contribute to reunification knowledge and have implications for social work practice, policy formulation, and future research aimed at enhancing the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of reunification services within South Africa’s child protection system.
The study concludes that effective reunification requires not only procedural reforms but also a coordinated, well-resourced approach. Ensuring timely, safe, and sustainable returns of children to their families depends on early intervention, parental involvement, and consistent support across the child protection continuum.
A qualitative research design was adopted, using a collective case study approach. Five social workers from three Child Protection Organisations (CPOs) in Tshwane, Gauteng Province, participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, in which each participant described two cases: one that resulted in successful reunification within two years, and one where reunification was delayed. Data were analysed using Creswell’s data analysis spiral.
Findings highlight that early initiation of reunification planning, active parental involvement, strong relationships between social workers and families, and support from extended family and community resources contribute positively to reunification outcomes. Conversely, challenges such as limited organisational resources, lack of parental cooperation, and the absence of standardised reunification protocols emerged as key barriers.
The study recommends developing and implementing clear, standardised reunification protocols and strengthening systemic support through increased resources, inter-agency collaboration, and manageable caseloads. Incorporating trauma-informed interventions and structured aftercare is essential for long-term family stability. These findings contribute to reunification knowledge and have implications for social work practice, policy formulation, and future research aimed at enhancing the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of reunification services within South Africa’s child protection system.
The study concludes that effective reunification requires not only procedural reforms but also a coordinated, well-resourced approach. Ensuring timely, safe, and sustainable returns of children to their families depends on early intervention, parental involvement, and consistent support across the child protection continuum.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Mr
Luvuyo
Teko
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Poppy
Masinga
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted