Abstract: Submission #117

Abstract Globally, social workers are tasked with the removal and placement of children in alternative care when their developments well-being is threatened. However, beyond the act of removal, it is critical that social workers conduct a comprehensive risk and safety assessment with active involvement of the child’s parents, to evaluate parental capacity for change. Existing literature reflets a notable gap in examining the specific challenges associated with assessing parents' ability to change and the effective role of social workers in facilitating successful reunification. The study employed a qualitative research approach, underpinned by the ethics of care theoretical lens, and guided by an interpretivist paradigm, to explore how parental capacity to change is understood and assessed during risk and safety evaluations. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine social workers and eight parents recruited through purposive sampling from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and Rata in the Modimolle Waterberg District of South Africa. Findings indicate a lack of standardised risk and safety assessment tools, inconsistent application of existing assessments, limited parental involvement, and inadequate communication between social workers and parents. The study concludes that the implementation of standardised assessments protocols, improved communication strategies, and ethical practices that centre parental participation can significantly enhance the outcomes of successful reunification.