University of Macau / Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Department of Government and Public Administration

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

The objective of this study is to explore the impact of a social group work programme in the lives of adolescent orphans in foster care in the North–West province who are also affected by HIV and AIDS, and to enhance their social functioning. Keywords: Adolescent, foster care, foster parent, social work, social group work, empower, family, orphan, HIV and AIDS There are a growing number of children in need of care in South Africa who are placed with foster parents. The biggest reason for foster placement is due to the rising mortality rate of biological parents due to HIV and AIDS. Section A refers to the problem statement, research objectives, research procedures and research methodology. The limitations of the research are also investigated and the definitions of key words. The research was conducted in two phases. The needs assessment was conducted in phase one and the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the social group work programme in phase two. The problem statement in section A is based upon the following: It was found that insufficient research is being conducted on the problems and circumstances of adolescent orphans in South Africa. It is evident that the physical and emotional needs of adolescent orphans are not being fulfilled. The HIV and AIDS pandemic have a negative effect on the quality of daily life for orphans under foster care. The problem statement gave rise to five research aims. The overarching research design conformed to the Development and Utilization Research model. The model was divided into five phases that guided the research. The single–system design was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. A literature study was conducted around the themes of foster care, foster parents, social group work, and circumstances of the foster care situation. Section B consists of the four articles that form the report on the research outcomes Each article is dealt with as a self–contained unit focusing on specific research objectives that were achieved via specific research methods. These methods were employed to collect the necessary data for the design and evaluation of the social group work programme. Article 1: The circumstances and needs of the adolescent orphan in foster care. The aim of this article is to identify the circumstances and needs through a self–designed and structured schedule. Thirty adolescent orphans in foster care from the researcher's case load were identified to take part in the research. Twenty adolescent orphans were selected by means of accidental sampling. Ten (N = 10) were selected for the experimental group and ten (N = 10) were selected for the control group. The results indicated the problems and needs experienced by adolescent orphans. These could be used for discussion during a social group work programme designed to provide knowledge, teach skills, and improve the social functioning of the group. Article 2: The role of the social worker during service delivery to adolescent orphans in foster care. The nature and extent of foster care in the North–West province was investigated by means of the completion of questionnaires. The role of the social worker regarding services to adolescent orphans in foster care was also investigated. A self–structured questionnaire was used for data collection purposes and 85 questionnaires were sent to social workers in the North–West province. The results show the state of existing programmes and the opinions of social workers on topics that could be included in a social group work programme. The data was used in Article 2. Article 3: A social work intervention programme for adolescent orphans in foster care. The programme was developed according to the data received from the 30 (N=30) adolescent orphans in foster care and the 85 (N=85) social workers in the North–West province. The programme was presented to 30 (N=30) adolescent orphans in foster care. Social group work was used as method to present the programme. The group gained knowledge and received skills training, both of which served to enhance their social functioning. Article 4: The evaluation of a social group work programme for adolescent orphans in foster care The purpose of this article is to evaluate the social group work programme. Three standardized measuring instruments were used. The Generalized Contentment Scale, the Index of Family Relations, and the Personal Self–esteem Profile were used. These instruments were used three times: once before intervention, once during intervention and once after intervention. The control group 10 (N=10) also completed the questionnaire three times but did not attend the social group. A self–developed questionnaire was completed before and after each session. A self–developed evaluation was completed after the final session to assess the effectiveness of the programme. Section C - Summary, conclusions and recommendations. Section D - contains the appendices with the results of the three standardized measuring instruments that were used for data collection. Section E - Contains the Bibliography. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The objective of this study is to explore the impact of a social group work programme in the lives of adolescent orphans in foster care in the North–West province who are also affected by HIV and AIDS, and to enhance their social functioning. Keywords: Adolescent, foster care, foster parent, social work, social group work, empower, family, orphan, HIV and AIDS There are a growing number of children in need of care in South Africa who are placed with foster parents. The biggest reason for foster placement is due to the rising mortality rate of biological parents due to HIV and AIDS. Section A refers to the problem statement, research objectives, research procedures and research methodology. The limitations of the research are also investigated and the definitions of key words. The research was conducted in two phases. The needs assessment was conducted in phase one and the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the social group work programme in phase two. The problem statement in section A is based upon the following: It was found that insufficient research is being conducted on the problems and circumstances of adolescent orphans in South Africa. It is evident that the physical and emotional needs of adolescent orphans are not being fulfilled. The HIV and AIDS pandemic have a negative effect on the quality of daily life for orphans under foster care. The problem statement gave rise to five research aims. The overarching research design conformed to the Development and Utilization Research model. The model was divided into five phases that guided the research. The single–system design was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. A literature study was conducted around the themes of foster care, foster parents, social group work, and circumstances of the foster care situation. Section B consists of the four articles that form the report on the research outcomes Each article is dealt with as a self–contained unit focusing on specific research objectives that were achieved via specific research methods. These methods were employed to collect the necessary data for the design and evaluation of the social group work programme. Article 1: The circumstances and needs of the adolescent orphan in foster care. The aim of this article is to identify the circumstances and needs through a self–designed and structured schedule. Thirty adolescent orphans in foster care from the researcher's case load were identified to take part in the research. Twenty adolescent orphans were selected by means of accidental sampling. Ten (N = 10) were selected for the experimental group and ten (N = 10) were selected for the control group. The results indicated the problems and needs experienced by adolescent orphans. These could be used for discussion during a social group work programme designed to provide knowledge, teach skills, and improve the social functioning of the group. Article 2: The role of the social worker during service delivery to adolescent orphans in foster care. The nature and extent of foster care in the North–West province was investigated by means of the completion of questionnaires. The role of the social worker regarding services to adolescent orphans in foster care was also investigated. A self–structured questionnaire was used for data collection purposes and 85 questionnaires were sent to social workers in the North–West province. The results show the state of existing programmes and the opinions of social workers on topics that could be included in a social group work programme. The data was used in Article 2. Article 3: A social work intervention programme for adolescent orphans in foster care. The programme was developed according to the data received from the 30 (N=30) adolescent orphans in foster care and the 85 (N=85) social workers in the North–West province. The programme was presented to 30 (N=30) adolescent orphans in foster care. Social group work was used as method to present the programme. The group gained knowledge and received skills training, both of which served to enhance their social functioning. Article 4: The evaluation of a social group work programme for adolescent orphans in foster care The purpose of this article is to evaluate the social group work programme. Three standardized measuring instruments were used. The Generalized Contentment Scale, the Index of Family Relations, and the Personal Self–esteem Profile were used. These instruments were used three times: once before intervention, once during intervention and once after intervention. The control group 10 (N=10) also completed the questionnaire three times but did not attend the social group. A self–developed questionnaire was completed before and after each session. A self–developed evaluation was completed after the final session to assess the effectiveness of the programme. Section C - Summary, conclusions and recommendations. Section D - contains the appendices with the results of the three standardized measuring instruments that were used for data collection. Section E - Contains the Bibliography. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Thesis (MSocialWork)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study was conducted to determine the nature and extent of the emotions and emotional experiences of alcoholics and chemically dependent adults. The study was also conducted to explore the theoretical field of music therapy and determine how music can be utilized to social group work with alcoholics and chemically dependent adults. The exploratory study was also conducted to determine how many knowledge social workers have about music therapy, and to what extent they believe it can practically be used in social group work with alcoholics and chemically dependent adults. The researchers' interest in group work and the importance of the use of creative aids during group work is the motivation for this study. The aim of the study is thus to establish guidelines for the use of music in social group work in order to provide effective intervention for alcoholics and chemically dependent adults. The most general personality traits, emotions, defence mechanisms, communication and motivational problems of alcoholics and chemically dependent adults, have been enclosed in the literature study. The corresponding principles, goals and intervention processes of group work and music therapy was also highlighted. Focus was especially placed on the corresponding functions of group work and music namely the handling of defence mechanisms, the exploration and expression of emotions, the improvement of communication, the development of a positive self-esteem, socialisation and the facilitation of personal motivation. The value of group work and music in the addressing of alcoholics' and chemically dependent adults' problems and needs, has been investigated because of the specific corresponding functions of group work and music. The umversum IS social workers at institutions that make use of group work interventions in their treatment programmes for alcoholics and chemically dependent adults. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was used, namely structured interviews as well as structured questionnaires. The results of this study generally confirmed the findings of the literature study. The recommendations can be divided into three areas namely recommendations concerning policy, programmes and training of social workers, recommendations concerning the corresponding functions of group work and music, and recommendations concerning future research. The importance of further research in the testing of the value of music in group work for specific client groups was especially recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Verkennende studie is in hierdie ondersoek geïmplimenteer ten einde die aard en omvang van volwasse dwelmafhanklikes se emosies en emosionele belewenisse te beskryf, 'n teoretiese verkenning van musiekterapie te doen en dit in verband te bring met maatskaplike groepwerk, en te bepaal in watter mate musiek tydens groepwerk met volwasse dwelmafhanklikes toegepas kan word. Die verkennende studie is ook geïmplimenteer om te bepaal in watter mate maatskaplike werkers kennis oor bogenoemde vorm van intervensie het en in watter mate hulle van mening is dat die benutting van musiek in groepwerkprogramme vir dwelmafhanklikes in inrigtings uitvoerbaar is. Die motivering vir hierdie studie het na vore gekom weens die navorser se belangstelling in kreatiwiteit in die uitvoer van maatskaplike groepwerk. Die doel van hierdie studie is dus om riglyne daar te stel vir die benutting van musiek in maatskaplike groepwerk ten einde effektiewe intervensie aan dwelmafhanklikes in inrigtingsverband te lewer. Die literatuurstudie het die algemene persoonlikheidstrekke, emosies, verdedigingsmeganismes, kommunikatiewe en motiveringsprobleme van dwelmafhanklikes ingesluit. Die gemeenskaplike beginsels, doelstellings en intervensieproses van groepwerk en musiekterapie is ook in die literatuurstudie uitgelig. Daar is veral gefokus op die gemeenskaplike funksies van groepwerk en musiek naamlik die hantering van verdedigingsmeganismes, die eksplorering en uitdrukking van emosies, die bevordering van kommunikasie, die ontwikkeling van 'n positiewe selfbeeld, sosialisering en die fasilitering van persoonlike motivering. Weens die spesifieke gemeenskaplike funksies van groepwerk en musiek, is daar besluit om die waarde van groepwerk en musiek in die aanspreek van dwelmafhanklikes se probleme, te ondersoek. Die universum is maatskaplike werkers by inrigtings wat intervensie aan dwelmafhanklikes deur middel van groepwerk, bied. Die ondersoek is deur 'n kombinasie van gestruktureerde onderhoude sowel as gestruktureerde vraelyste, gerig. Kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe inligting is dus ingesamel. Die resultate van hierdie ondersoek het tot 'n groot mate die bevindinge van die literatuurstudie bevestig naamlik dat dwelmafhanklikes met sekere persoonlikheidseienskappe, emosies, verdedigingsmeganismes en kommunikatiewe probleme presenteer; dat groepwerk 'n gewenste metode om bogenoemde behoeftes en probleme aan te spreek en te hanteer, is; en dat die benutting van musiek in groepsituasies waardevol in die fasilitering van die uitdrukking van emosies, die afbreek van verdedigingsmeganismes en die fasilitering van onder andere ontspanning, kan wees. Die aanbevelings het op drie areas gefokus naamlik algemene aanbevelings rakende inrigtingsbeleid, programme en skoling van maatskaplike werkers, aanbevelings ten opsigte van die gemeenskaplike funksies van groepwerk en musiek, en aanbevelings ten opsigte van verdere navorsing. Daar word aanbeveel dat die benuttingswaarde van musiek in groepwerk met 'n spesifieke kliëntegroep, getoets moet word.

The aim of this study is to explore the experiences and evaluations of young male offenders who were diverted to family group conferencing in order to improve current services. An exploratory research design was chosen to obtain an understanding of what these young male offenders experienced during their conferencing and also to seek out their recommendations for future improvement of the family group conferencing diversion programme. This study comprised two samples which were purposively selected. The first sample was made up of ten young male offenders and the second sample comprised of the parents and /or guardians of the young male offenders. The data was collected using structured interview schedules. The data was collected on separate occasions for the two samples. Each interview lasted about 30- 40 minutes each. The findings of this study showed that there is still a need to train probation officers on appropriate implementation of family group conferencing and that families also have a role to play towards succefull implementation of diversion programmes. It is evident from the findings that young offenders need their families to support and care for them during difficult situations, as purported by the systems theory whereby society is regarded as a system with different parts and families are an important part of this system. Young offenders belong to families and families are part of communities and society. It is also important to note that victims are part of families, thus also part of society and the system. Family group conferencing provide an opportunity for all these parts to meet in a mediated environment to address the harm caused and make amends. The findings of this study also showed that there is a need to educate the general public about child justice legislation and the emerging trends in the field of child justice including diversion programmes.

There were four major purposes of this study: (1) to evaluate the level of grief experience by bereaved individuals who attend either a grief support group or grief psycho-educational group in the Inland Empire, (2) to evaluate the level of spirtuality experienced by bereaved individuals who attend either a grief support or grief psycho-educational group in the Inland Empire, (3) to correlate the level of grief reactions with the level of spiritual experience within bereaved individuals, and (4) to describe demongraphic and grief/spiritual-related factors that may influence a bereaved individual's spiritual experience and grief process.

The focus of this study is the effectiveness in increasing self-efficacy and self-esteem level, parenting skills, awareness about domestic violence issues, and the overall effects of these on the quality of life of at-risk Hispanic female immigrants attending a support group at a community agency.

The study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by social workers rendering Occupational Social Work (OSW) services, particularly in establishing and maintaining workplace support groups for employees living with HIV and AIDS. The study used a qualitative research approach, aided by exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. Data was collected from eight participants with semi-structured interviews and was analyzed by applying eight steps for data analysis as proposed by Tesch, cited in Creswell (2003:191). Data verification was done by applying Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991). The themes, which emerged from the interviews, were: the recruitment of members in workplace support groups and the challenges faced by social workers rendering OSW services. The findings indicate that, critical as their roles may be, social workers experience numerous challenges when providing workplace HIV and AIDS support groups. These include HIV and AIDS disclosure, management, organisational and logistical challenges / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)

Substance abuse among university students is increasing globally. Nigeria, with her peculiar class of university students who are younger than global average is not left out. This paper reports a qualitative Intervention research that utilized narrative inquiry instrument to explore the interface of substance abuse issues, disciplinary dilemmas and family involvement at a private university in Nigeria. This research identified challenges and concerns amongst administrators, parents, students and student support services staff. Primary Socialization and Critical theories formed the theoretical backdrop for the research. The participants in the study were members of administration and disciplinary committee (n=10). Parents (n=10), students (n=20) and student support staff (n=10). The findings showed early onset of substance abuse at an average age of 17, which coincides with the average of entry into Nigerian universities. Alcohol and Marijuana was the most preferred drug of choice. 50% of the student participants had family history of substance abuse involvement and 80% was alcohol use. Parental responses such as reduced levels of trust, strained relationships and withdrawal of support and privileges were motivators for students to engage in treatment. Implementation of institutional disciplinary measures for involvement of student with substance abuse such as suspension or expulsion was also indicated as motivators to engage in treatment and maintenance of sobriety, however both parents and students identified the provision of services such as drug screening, counseling and family conferences as having long term impact on staying sober. Both parents and students recommended strict monitoring measures to reduce the incidences of substance abuse on the university campus. The Nigerian cultural value and above global average of parental involvement was a strength that informed the recommendation for a collaborative approach between the university and families of students involved with substance abuse. The responses of university administrators indicated struggles between service and disciplinary responses. The study concluded by proposing a model of approach with practice guidelines for a collaborative approach between the university and families of students involved with substance abuse. Collaborative „junctions‟ with parents were delineated without compromising the institutional policy on substance abuse. / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)