Socialinių paslaugų tikslas yra gerinti socialiai pažeidžiamų piliečių gyvenimo kokybę, tenkinti būtiniausius jo žmogiškuosius poreikius, padėti integruotis į visuomenę, mažinti socialinę atskirtį. Kad žmonės gaunantys šias paslaugas jaustų gyvenimo pagerėjimą reikia, kad tos paslaugos būtų suteiktos kokybiškai. Net ir mažos skiriamos paslaugos gali būti tik tada veiksmingos, jei jos taikliai pasiekė paslaugos gavėją, ypač ekonominės krizės metais. Nekokybiškai suteikta paslauga praranda savo vertę, neteikia naudos, vadinasi blogai arba visai nevykdo socialinės apsaugos politikos. Siekiant paslaugų kokybės darosi svarbūs santykiai tarp paslaugų teikėjo ir paslaugų gavėjo. Didžiausia dalimi paslaugų kokybę lemia tiesioginis paslaugos teikėjas- socialinis darbuotojas. Tai priklauso nuo jo kvalifikacijos, asmeninių savybių, požiūrio į klientą. Kokybės užtikrinimo sistemai kurti ir užtikrinti įtakos turi ir socialinių paslaugų įstaigų veikla, paslaugų prieinamumas ir kokybė, valstybės vykdomi ir rengiami įstatymai. Pagal socialinių paslaugų reformą,(2002m.) nuo 2004m. buvo pradėti rengti nacionaliniai socialinių paslaugų standartai, kurie padėtų paslaugų gavėjams ir jų šeimų nariams spręsti apie gaunamų paslaugų kokybiškumą, o socialinių paslaugų teikėjams būtų aiškiau, kokie reikalavimai keliami paslaugoms. Socialinių paslaugų įstaigų išskirtinumas yra tas, kad galutiniai rezultatai nėra grindžiami tik atliktu efektyvumu ir ekonomiškumu. Didele dalim tai priklauso ir nuo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / One priority of welfare state is carry out systematic social policy and to provide social services of good quality. Social services depend on economical situation of the state and legislation as well as qualification, competence of employee, who provides these services, and services’ quality assurance system. The main actor which determines quality of the services is direct services provider – social worker. It is quit hard to evaluate quality of services, because everyone different understands and evaluates quality of services. Person’s indication of evaluation depends on how provided service satisfies his need and expectations. Lithuanian legislation of social policy is orientated into high quality of social services; however evaluation of it is still problematic due to a lack of documentations, identifying quality evaluation strategy of social services provided by social workers. The master thesis, with reference to science literature, analyze social services provision system in Druskininkai Municipality (case analyze) as well as present point of view of social services’ organization, provider and recipient evaluating social services on social, territorial and economic backgrounds (experiment). A goal of experiment (research) is to examine opinion of social services’ providers and recipients about provided services. Research revealed that social services’ organization, provider and recipient positively evaluate quality of social services on social, territorial and... [to full text]

Psichosocialinė reabilitacija – labai jauna profesinės veiklos sritis, gyvuojanti vos pirmą dešimtmetį, tai yra viena iš prioritetinių psichikos sveikatos paslaugų Lietuvoje, kurios dėka psichikos negalią turintys asmenys turi galimybę integruotis į visuomenės gyvenimą ir aktyviai jame dalyvauti. Vykdydamas psichosocialinės reabilitacijos procesą, socialinis darbuotojas remiasi savo profesinėmis kompetencijomis, tai yra savo įgūdžiais, žiniomis bei vertybėmis. Svarbu pabrėžti, kad socialinių darbuotojų, dirbančių psichosocialinės reabilitacijos centruose, profesinės kompetencijos problema Lietuvoje yra nauja, aktuali bei nėra išdiskutuota iki galo. Išsiaiškinta, kad psichosocialinė reabilitacija bei jos specialistų atliekamas darbas Lietuvoje yra mažai nagrinėjamas, todėl tyrimo tikslas buvo atskleisti teorinius ir praktinius socialinio darbuotojo veiklos ypatumus psichosocialinės reabilitacijos centruose. Tyrimo tikslui pasiekti iškelti 3 uždaviniai: atskleisti psichosocialinės reabilitacijos proceso, orientuoto į ilgalaikę psichikos negalią turinčius asmenis, teorines charakteristikas; atskleisti socialinio darbo svarbą psichosocialinės reabilitacijos procese bei nustatyti ir įvertinti socialinių darbuotojų veiklos ypatumus, psichosocialinės reabilitacijos centruose teikiant socialines paslaugas psichikos sveikatos problemų turintiems klientams. Tiriamojoje darbo dalyje, tyrimo tikslui pasiekti ir uždaviniams įgyvendinti pasirinktas kokybinis tyrimo tipas– pusiau... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Psychosocial rehabilitation is a quite new sphere of professional activities that exists for its first decade; however, it is one of the priorities of mental health services in Lithuania that provides mentally disabled persons with an opportunity of integration in the community and active involvement in its life. In course of implementation of the psychosocial rehabilitation process, the social worker bases his/her activities on the own professional competences, i.e. the own skills, knowledge and values. It is important to stress that the problem of professional competence of social workers engaged at centers of psychosocial rehabilitation is a new problem in Lithuania; however, it is an urgent one that is not finally settled. It was elucidated that psychosocial rehabilitation and the works performed by professionals of this sector in Lithuania are poorly explored, so the aim of this research was disclosing the theoretical and practical peculiarities of the activities of a social worker at centers of psychosocial rehabilitation. For implementation of the aim, 3 tasks were set: to disclose the theoretical properties of the psychosocial rehabilitation process oriented towards persons with long-year mental disability; to disclose the importance of social works in the psychosocial rehabilitation process; and to identify and assess the peculiarities of the activities of social workers social services at centers of psychosocial rehabilitation on providing social services to... [to full text]

For years social workers have been involved in the investigation of child abuse cases, which includes the sexual abuse of children. The forensic social worker primarily engages with the investigation of child sexual abuse allegations and their involvement begins when a criminal case of alleged child sexual abuse is registered with the police. The core function of forensic social workers is to objectively assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the judicial system during the investigation of crimes against children, which includes cases of alleged sexual abuse of babies. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the forensic social worker in cases of sexual abuse of babies in the Boland. A qualitative research procedure was followed and data was gathered through in-depth interviews with three state prosecutors working in regional courts in Worcester, Ceres and Paarl. In-depth interviews were also conducted with three SAPS forensic social workers in these areas. The results of the investigation were summarised according to certain themes. The results of the study indicate that the successful prosecution and conviction of offenders of the sexual abuse of babies are limited, because a baby is unable to deliver testimony. The crucial role of the qualified forensic social worker in the investigation of these cases was highlighted in the study. The participants found the thorough investigation of collateral sources and the interpretation of information gathered by forensic social workers of great value. As an expert witness the forensic social worker can therefore play a prominent role in the conviction of offenders of sexual abuse of babies. / Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Remarkable progress with respect to the necessity of child participation has been observed in the Children's Act, act 38 of 2005. Article 10 of the Children's Act, act 38 of 2005, specifically provides for children‟s right to participate in any situation applicable to a child. Despite afore-mentioned progress in the legal field, the reality is that there are remarkable differences between children's rights to participate in society and society's experience of the role children play and the abilities they possess to do so. In this article the focus is on the responsibility of the social worker during the implementation of children's participation, according to the Children's act, act 38 of 2005. The successful implementation of children's participation by social workers ensures that the child is given a voice while important issues are being heard and discussed. This can actively contribute to the improvement of services offered to children and families with regard to effective intervention programmes and can ensure a positive outcome in terms of services provided. / Thesis (MSW (Forensic Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

A large number of children find themselves in foster care situations in South Africa with placements that have to be monitored by social workers. This is a demanding task, given the nature of foster placements and the high caseloads of social workers responsible for monitoring of foster placements. Although a wealth of information on resource management is to be found in the prevailing literature, no comparative volume of information is to be found on foster care resources in child welfare in particular. A model for resource management in this field must still be developed. In view of this and considering the role occupied by the researcher in the Kerklike Maatskaplike Diens: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa, it was decided to embark on a research project investigating the use of resources in the field of child welfare, specifically with foster care social workers. The aim of the study is to assess whether adequate resources are available. The availability and utilisation of resources in the field of child welfare is under-researched and a resource management system for this purpose should still be developed. The research results indicated that social workers monitoring foster care placements have high caseloads and that resources, even though they are utilised to a certain extent, are not always accessible or effective. The most important learning needs were related to organisational, community and professional resources that could be considered unrealistic, ineffective, inaccessible and not feasible in most circumstances. Further main challenges are a lack of resources and time, a lack of co-operation from the foster parents and the biological parents respectively and the shortage of foster care social workers in South Africa. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

For years social workers have been involved in the investigation of child abuse cases, which includes the sexual abuse of children. The forensic social worker primarily engages with the investigation of child sexual abuse allegations and their involvement begins when a criminal case of alleged child sexual abuse is registered with the police. The core function of forensic social workers is to objectively assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the judicial system during the investigation of crimes against children, which includes cases of alleged sexual abuse of babies. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the forensic social worker in cases of sexual abuse of babies in the Boland. A qualitative research procedure was followed and data was gathered through in-depth interviews with three state prosecutors working in regional courts in Worcester, Ceres and Paarl. In-depth interviews were also conducted with three SAPS forensic social workers in these areas. The results of the investigation were summarised according to certain themes. The results of the study indicate that the successful prosecution and conviction of offenders of the sexual abuse of babies are limited, because a baby is unable to deliver testimony. The crucial role of the qualified forensic social worker in the investigation of these cases was highlighted in the study. The participants found the thorough investigation of collateral sources and the interpretation of information gathered by forensic social workers of great value. As an expert witness the forensic social worker can therefore play a prominent role in the conviction of offenders of sexual abuse of babies. / Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Remarkable progress with respect to the necessity of child participation has been observed in the Children's Act, act 38 of 2005. Article 10 of the Children's Act, act 38 of 2005, specifically provides for children‟s right to participate in any situation applicable to a child. Despite afore-mentioned progress in the legal field, the reality is that there are remarkable differences between children's rights to participate in society and society's experience of the role children play and the abilities they possess to do so. In this article the focus is on the responsibility of the social worker during the implementation of children's participation, according to the Children's act, act 38 of 2005. The successful implementation of children's participation by social workers ensures that the child is given a voice while important issues are being heard and discussed. This can actively contribute to the improvement of services offered to children and families with regard to effective intervention programmes and can ensure a positive outcome in terms of services provided. / Thesis (MSW (Forensic Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

A large number of children find themselves in foster care situations in South Africa with placements that have to be monitored by social workers. This is a demanding task, given the nature of foster placements and the high caseloads of social workers responsible for monitoring of foster placements. Although a wealth of information on resource management is to be found in the prevailing literature, no comparative volume of information is to be found on foster care resources in child welfare in particular. A model for resource management in this field must still be developed. In view of this and considering the role occupied by the researcher in the Kerklike Maatskaplike Diens: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa, it was decided to embark on a research project investigating the use of resources in the field of child welfare, specifically with foster care social workers. The aim of the study is to assess whether adequate resources are available. The availability and utilisation of resources in the field of child welfare is under-researched and a resource management system for this purpose should still be developed. The research results indicated that social workers monitoring foster care placements have high caseloads and that resources, even though they are utilised to a certain extent, are not always accessible or effective. The most important learning needs were related to organisational, community and professional resources that could be considered unrealistic, ineffective, inaccessible and not feasible in most circumstances. Further main challenges are a lack of resources and time, a lack of co-operation from the foster parents and the biological parents respectively and the shortage of foster care social workers in South Africa. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of the research was to study the effect of child sexual abuse on the non–accused parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning. To reach this aim, the following objectives were set: * Objective 1: To establish the non–accused's reaction to disclosure of sexual abuse of their child. * Objective 2: To investigate the extent in which the parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning was influenced by the disclosure of the sexual abuse. * Objective 3: To research the influence the disclosure of the sexual abuse had on the relationship between the child involved and the parent/guardian. * Objective 4: To investigate the outcome of the cases following the disclosure of the sexual abuse and to determine whether actions had been taken against the alleged perpetrators and whether they were at all legally prosecuted. The research was primarily based on in–depth interviews with the non–accused parents from the case loads of a welfare organisation in Randfontein. The results of the research were reported on, based on main themes and sub–themes linked to the four objectives. Regarding theme one (1), it was found that the majority of non–accused parents/guardians reacted exceptionally negatively following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced extremely negative emotions. Theme two's (2) information was also obtained through the self–designed questionnaire. The effect of the disclosure on the non–accused parents/guardians' psycho–social functioning was studied. It was found that their psychological, emotional, financial and physical functioning was negatively affected. Theme three's (3) information was also obtained by means of the self–designed questionnaire. The relationship and bond between the child involved and the non–accused parent/guardian was investigated. It was found that the relationships between the children involved and the parents/guardians were negatively affected following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced feelings of rejection, anger, anxiety and depression. Theme four's(4) was also obtained via self–designed questionnaires. The outcome of the disclosure was investigated. It was established that the caring situations of the children involved following the disclosure had not been significantly affected. Furthermore, it was found that the non–accused parents/guardians had not taken sufficient legal steps and that the alleged perpetrators had not been legally prosecuted in all the cases. In summary it can be stated that this research has proven that the child's sexual abuse has a negative effect on the psycho–social functioning on the non–accused parent/guardian's functioning. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The motivation for the study had its origin in the fact that sexual abuse in South Africa seems to be a formidable problem which has a detrimental effect on the adolescent’s development and functioning. Social workers have to deal with sexual abuse often and do not always have the necessary programmes and skills acquired to follow through therapeutic intervention with these victims. Therefore this study focused on the development, implementation and evaluation of a narrative social work intervention programme where sand play techniques were integrated in the narrative process. The research problem formulated was that many adolescents suffer from the effects of sexual abuse and therefore the aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a narrative social work intervention programme for adolescent survivors of sexual abuse. The study served to broaden the body of social work knowledge by means of meaningful quantitative and qualitative enquiry. Quantitative data were obtained through the use of questionnaires and qualitative data through the use of combined sand play and narratives as approaches. Four (4) participants were included in a series of 10–15 sand play sessions. Only the data of one (1) participant was used for data–analysis. Two (2) sessions were used for general assessment and building of therapeutic relationship and an additional session was used for an interview with the parent(s). The researcher undertook mixed method research where the quantitative and qualitative approaches were combined into the research methodology of the single study. Intervention research was used as basic methodology. Purposive sampling was used in the selection of the research subject for this study. Collected data was analyzed according to Tesch’s approach to qualitative data analysis (Creswell, 1994). The researcher applied the developed social work intervention programme with four (4) adolescent participants who had allegedly been sexually abused. The sand play sessions were audio recorded and evaluated by means of data analysis. The findings of this study emphasized the psycho–social impact of sexual abuse on survivors of sexual abuse. This thesis reflects the contribution and impact that the social work intervention programme had on the adolescent survivor of sexual abuse. This programme was found to be a valuable tool that can be used in intervention with adolescents and could add to the knowledge of social workers and other professionals working with the survivors of sexual abuse. The research can be recognized as a positive demonstration of the value of a narrative social work intervention programme. Recommendations regarding future implementation of the narrative social intervention programme have been made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.