The Table page displays a submission's general information and data using tabular layout. Watch video
Submission information
Submission Number: 3
Submission ID: 718
Submission UUID: 2a9c9822-fa13-4efc-a5e8-a992b76b6d51
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 03/04/2025 - 08:59
Completed: Tue, 03/04/2025 - 10:02
Changed: Tue, 04/22/2025 - 17:36
Remote IP address: 163.200.79.25
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Dr. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Spaumer |
| Firstname | Andrew |
| spauma@unisa.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0728885030 |
| Institution | University of south africa |
| Biosketch | Dr. Spaumer is a dedicated academic and community leader with a strong background in social work and education. He teaches courses on social welfare policy and the social work helping process while developing assessment plans and ensuring quality assurance. Dr. Spaumer's doctoral research at the University of South Africa focused on child protection in religious institutions. He has is serving as a board member of the International Association for Social Workers with Group Work (IASWG), as a co-chair for the International Social Work Group on Ecological Injustice. Additionally, Dr. Spaumer serves on various university committees and provides psychosocial support to local communities. |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | Strengthening Child Protection Through Collaboration: The Role of Religious Institutions in Supporting Vulnerable Children |
| Theme Selection | THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
| Subtheme TWO Selection | SUB 2.3 Work with special and vulnerable populations (children, families, women, older persons, LGBTQIA+ etc). |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | As social work evolves to address global challenges, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaboration with community stakeholders has become increasingly crucial. This paper explores the vital role religious institutions can play in supporting children in need of care and protection. It emphasises the importance of fostering partnerships between social workers and religious leaders to ensure effective intervention in child protection efforts. The research presented in this paper is based on a qualitative study that used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the perspectives of 19 religious leaders on their involvement in child protection. While child protection is not their primary mandate, the study revealed that religious institutions are actively providing support services to vulnerable children. This finding underscores the untapped potential of religious communities in enhancing child welfare, despite the lack of formal training or structured roles in child protection. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the University of South Africa, reference 37360450_CREC_CHS_2022. The findings highlight a significant need for structured collaboration between social workers and religious institutions to optimize child protection efforts. Such partnerships can lead to the development of community-based interventions that are both holistic and sustainable. Integrating these collaborations into social work education, policy, and practice is critical for addressing the complex challenges faced by vulnerable children. The study advocates for the inclusion of interdisciplinary cooperation as a core component of social work training, ensuring that future social workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to collaborate effectively with diverse community stakeholders. In alignment with the conference themes of social justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, this presentation calls for action to strengthen community partnerships and enhance social work’s role in creating lasting, positive change for vulnerable children worldwide. |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Fikile |
| Lastname | Xaba |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Empirical Research |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | |
| Firstname | |
| Lastname | |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | |
| Status | Pending Review |