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Submission information
Submission Number: 100
Submission ID: 894
Submission UUID: 6b0a5bc1-b5d1-4185-a680-688c4e2a1bef
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 07:27
Completed: Wed, 04/30/2025 - 07:31
Changed: Tue, 05/27/2025 - 11:47
Remote IP address: 137.215.99.174
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
| Title | Ms. |
|---|---|
| Lastname | Claassens |
| Firstname | Elmien |
| elmien.claassens@up.ac.za | |
| Mobile | 0823383963 |
| Institution | University of pretoria |
| Biosketch | Elmien Claassens is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Criminology, at the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa. Before joining academia full time, she worked for approximately 20 years in social work and community practice, of which 5 years were also as a part-time lecturer in the same Department. She was the Managing Director of S.A. Cares for Life (2009-2012) and Chief Executive Officer of Funanani Trust (2012-2019), both non-profit organisations rendering psycho-social services and skills development programs, aiming to empower communities to be more sustainable. In these organisations she supervised many final-year social work students from the University of Pretoria, in their field practice placements. The integration of practice, teaching, theory and exposure of students at grassroots level in communities remains one of her passions, hence her involvement with student supervision for many years prior to joining academia full time. She contributed journal articles, book chapters and national and international papers on practice-research topics. She has a master’s degree in social work. She has completed her doctoral study in hybrid social work practice, focusing on bridging the digital divide and advocating for inclusive modes of social service delivery. Technology and bridging the digital divide remain a passion, and as an advocate for social justice, her practice ensures that no student is left behind! Expertise and areas of interest: • Social development • Social justice • Social policy • Technology-supported social work • Digital social work • Hybrid social services • Inclusiveness • Supervision in Social Work • Social Work Management |
| Is there a Second Presenter? | No |
| Title of Presentatation | A hybrid approach to inclusive social work practice in South Africa |
| Theme Selection | THEME 6: Main-streaming Digital and Assessment Tools in Social Work Practice |
| Subtheme SIX Selection | SUB 6.5 Ethical Implications and challenges of digital adoption in social work. |
| Select your Presentation Type | Oral Presentation |
| Abstract | While the integration of technology into social work is not new, the imperative to ensure that such developments advance an inclusive and just society is increasingly urgent. Technology-supported services offer additional platforms for engaging vulnerable populations, but the digital divide exacerbates existing structural inequalities, often excluding those already marginalised due to limited connectivity, inadequate devices, or digital illiteracy. This study employed Fraser’s theory of social justice and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as complementary theoretical frameworks to conceptualise a hybrid approach to inclusive social work practice in South Africa. A mixed methods research design was used, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative phases. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 22 social workers and managers from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the National Association of Social Service Organisations (NACOSS). The quantitative phase drew on data collected through self-administered online questionnaires from 105 social workers and managers. The integrated data analysis triangulated statistical results and thematic patterns to identify key findings of inclusion and exclusion in technology-supported service delivery. Findings suggest that a hybrid model combining in-person and technology-supported approaches can promote inclusion but also highlight substantial barriers. These include gaps in digital literacy, limited technological infrastructure, and concerns around ethical practice, privacy, and confidentiality. The digital divide, shaped by broader socio-economic disparities, remains a critical barrier to equitable access. The study proposes a set of guidelines to support inclusive hybrid practice, encompassing ethical standards, organisational governance, social justice advocacy, intersectoral partnerships, and professional training. These recommendations highlight the need for both structural reform and practice-level innovation to ensure that digital transformation in social work serves as a vehicle for social inclusion rather than exclusion. |
| Title | Prof |
| Firstname | John |
| Lastname | Rautenbach |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Education |
| Status | Accepted |
| Title | Dr |
| Firstname | Marinei |
| Lastname | Herselman |
| Does the Abstract fit the selected Theme? | Yes |
| What Area does this Abstract Focus on? | Practice |
| Status | Accepted |