Marianne Strydom

The implications of neoliberalism for social work: Reflections from a six-country international research collaboration

The near global implementation of public sector and social welfare reform as a result of neoliberal economic reform has impacted on social work and social inequality. State strategies to reduce social and economic inequality are being challenged and rolled back. This article uses the reflections from a six-country EU-funded social work research collaboration to promote debate and compare global social work perspectives, to highlight the complexity of research, to explore implications for practice and the Global Agenda. It concludes by highlighting that global comparisons are complex, multi-faceted and that political, cultural and economic context is critical to develop effective responses.

COMMUNITY BASED FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR FAMILIES AT-RISK: SERVICES RENDERED BY CHILD AND FAMILY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS

In accordance with South African policy documents and legislation (Department of Social Development, 2004; Children’s Act 38 of 2005, Section 2(a)White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997) social work service delivery to families where child abuse and neglect occur, must be focused mainly on family preservation through rendering preventative and early intervention services thereby preventing statutory services. Preventative services are, as directed by the ISDM (Department of Social Development, 2006), the primary level of service delivery, by linking families to resources which can limit risky behaviour and to implement a developmental welfare policy. Strong focus is placed on the development of resources in communities to support families and to build capacity, before family crises could develop (Department of Social Development, 2006). Within this context the purpose of this article is to investigate the support (prevention) services available to at-risk families at family welfare organisations to prevent the removal of children and to enhance family preservation.

BELEID VIR MIDDELMISBRUIK IN HOËRSKOLE

Substance abuse amongst the youth is a growing concern in South Africa. There is also a need for schools to formulate a policy and to design programmes to deal with substance abuse in schools. The aim of this paper is to present some of the perceptions of learners on the relevance of formulating a policy for substance abuse in a school. The rest of the paper is devoted to a problem-solving model which can be used in the process of policy formulation. Recommendations are made that can be used by schools when formulating a policy for substance abuse

Mapping social work across 10 countries: Structure, intervention, identity and challenges:

An emerging global consciousness and rising attention given to international social work development has seen the recognition of comparative research within the profession. Understanding the functioning and organisation of social work within various country contexts is critical in order to formulate knowledge around its overall impact, successes and challenges, allowing social workers to learn from one another and build professional consolidation. The profession is mapped out in 10 countries, reflecting on its structure, identity and development. Although the profession is developing globally, it is also experiencing significant challenges. Key insights, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.

The rehabilitation of incarcerated child offenders : challenges faced by social welfare officers in Zambia

A large number of children worldwide are detained. Social workers are rendering services to these children with the aim of rehabilitating them and reducing recidivism. This study aimed to identify the challenges experienced by social welfare officers in the rehabilitation of child offenders in Zambia. It seemed most of the challenges were experienced because of a lack of resources relating to people power, capacity building, trained social workers and facilities. For Zambia to curb the challenges experienced, the custodians of the child justice programmes should strengthen their resources.

South African child and family welfare services: changing times or business as usual?

South African welfare policy is influenced by global economic trends and has some indicators of neoliberal policy implementation. This paper discusses the indicators of neoliberalism before exploring the implications for child and family welfare services in post-apartheid South Africa, in relation to three key themes: the financing of welfare, structures and organisations, and the managing of clients. It is argued that the influence of neoliberalism has changed the way that child and welfare services are managed and services delivered, and that these influences should be debated within the profession and with civil society.

Utilising group work in the implementation of family preservation services : views of child protection social workers

The largest area of service rendering in social work in South Africa pertains to child and family welfare. Policy directives indicate that services should be aimed at reducing child abuse and neglect while protecting the child and preserving the family unit. Group work is a cost-effective intervention strategy to be implemented to meet the high demand for child protection services. However, social workers face various challenges when utilising group work in service delivery. Yet because of the advantages of group work in addressing the social isolation of at-risk families, this intervention method should be incorporated into family preservation programmes.

Reflections on a process model for international research collaboration in social work

This article seeks to reflect on knowledge and experiences gained from an International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES). Challenges and opportunities inherent in the development and management of a large-scale international research project in social work are explored. Through a synthesis of conceptual frameworks a process model for international research collaboration is constructed based chiefly on the stages of group development, a conceptual framework for cross-national research, an interdisciplinary teamwork process and collaborative knowledge building. The five stages of the process model, namely forming, norming, storming, performing and adjourning and associated steps are connected by a practice of reflexivity.

Views of service providers on services rendered to people with disabilities and on the need for family preservation services

The article reflects the research findings of a study that was initiated because a welfare organisation delivering social work services to people with disabilities was investigating the possibility of developing a family preservation programme. The aim of the investigation was to explore the views of service providers on services delivered to persons with disabilities to determine the need for family preservation services. It was found that limited people power and funds placed serious constraints upon services. However, a clear link between the aims of family preservation and the needs of families caring for a relative with a disability has been established.