Abstract: Submission #70

Abstract In South Africa, there is a lack of intervention strategies specifically focusing on the non-offending caregivers (NOC) of children after child sexual abuse (CSA) disclosure. Caregivers experience feelings of shock, anger and confusion, following the disclosure. Intervention strategies mostly guide social workers to assist the victims of CSA, with little emphasis on guiding the NOC. The aim of the research was to explore current practices of social workers regarding intervention with NOC following CSA disclosure. The researcher employed a qualitative approach which was explorative in nature. Thirteen social workers participated in this study and data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that intervention strategies focusing on NOC are important; on the other hand, there are aspects that hinder social workers from rendering services to the NOC. Findings of this study may add value to the social work field as support groups, educational and community programmes were proposed as strategies to be adopted in order to enhance services for the NOC.