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Submission information
Submission Number: 217
Submission ID: 1367
Submission UUID: 60e675ea-26f5-4af7-944b-056217ca707b
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Sat, 06/28/2025 - 22:26
Completed: Sat, 06/28/2025 - 22:40
Changed: Fri, 07/18/2025 - 08:03
Remote IP address: 41.146.193.183
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Mr.
Fourie
Johan
Valkenberg hospital, western cape government: department of health & wellness
Johan Fourie is a registered social worker based in Cape Town. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of the Western Cape, graduating cum laude for his undergraduate studies. Johan currently works as a mental health care practitioner in forensic psychiatry, where he contributes to court-ordered assessments of criminal capacity, fitness to stand trial, and risk of dangerousness. He also provides therapeutic interventions to forensic mental health service users. In addition to his full-time role, Johan runs a part-time private practice offering socio-legal social work services.
No
Abstract
Narratives from Staff at an LGBTQIA+ Shelter: Applying Ecological Systems Theory to a Homelessness Intervention in Cape Town, South Africa
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
Johan Fourie1 , Maurice Gattis2 , Neil Henderson3 , Aaron Kemmerer4 , and Jason Schaub5 .
1Valkenberg Hospital, Western Cape Government: Department of Health and Wellness.
2Virginia Commonwealth University.
3Department of Social Work, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
4University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Corresponding Author: Johan Fourie* (johanfourie53@gmail.com)
5University of Bristol
Internationally, LGBTQIA+ people are at increased risk of homelessness and housing instability. Literature on this topic emerging from the Global South has been less prominent. This paper explores the narratives from staff at an LGBTQIA+ homelessness centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is a unique local context, given the post-apartheid political landscape and prevalent negative attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa.
This study sought to document and analyse the psychosocial experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth (aged 18 to 34) and staff in Cape Town, South Africa. Through a mixed methods approach. researchers examined semi-structured interviews and survey data from 12 residents and 5 staff at an emergency shelter service organisation for LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness in Cape Town. The ecological systems theory was the theoretical framework employed for the study. For the purposes of this presentation, the qualitative findings of the staff will be highlighted. Interview data were analysed using narrative analysis strategies. Ethics considerations were paramount when dealing with staff.
The results from the staff show that the shelter seeks to provide a safe and structured environment for LGBTQIA+ people who may have experienced family rejection, educational or economic challenges and mental health concerns. Within the conference sub-theme of policy and advocacy for social justice, the researchers recommend that there be a shift in focus to advocating for macro socio-economic factors to be taken into consideration when considering LGBTQIA+ homelessness. These factors include addressing the limited availability of jobs and shelter space for a discriminated people. They highlight the need for more robust social work training for staff of shelters who serve this vulnerable and resilient population.
1Valkenberg Hospital, Western Cape Government: Department of Health and Wellness.
2Virginia Commonwealth University.
3Department of Social Work, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
4University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Corresponding Author: Johan Fourie* (johanfourie53@gmail.com)
5University of Bristol
Internationally, LGBTQIA+ people are at increased risk of homelessness and housing instability. Literature on this topic emerging from the Global South has been less prominent. This paper explores the narratives from staff at an LGBTQIA+ homelessness centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is a unique local context, given the post-apartheid political landscape and prevalent negative attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa.
This study sought to document and analyse the psychosocial experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth (aged 18 to 34) and staff in Cape Town, South Africa. Through a mixed methods approach. researchers examined semi-structured interviews and survey data from 12 residents and 5 staff at an emergency shelter service organisation for LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness in Cape Town. The ecological systems theory was the theoretical framework employed for the study. For the purposes of this presentation, the qualitative findings of the staff will be highlighted. Interview data were analysed using narrative analysis strategies. Ethics considerations were paramount when dealing with staff.
The results from the staff show that the shelter seeks to provide a safe and structured environment for LGBTQIA+ people who may have experienced family rejection, educational or economic challenges and mental health concerns. Within the conference sub-theme of policy and advocacy for social justice, the researchers recommend that there be a shift in focus to advocating for macro socio-economic factors to be taken into consideration when considering LGBTQIA+ homelessness. These factors include addressing the limited availability of jobs and shelter space for a discriminated people. They highlight the need for more robust social work training for staff of shelters who serve this vulnerable and resilient population.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Ntandoyenkosi
Maphosa
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Mr
Luvuyo
Teko
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted