Work

Social Workers’ Views on the Implementation of Legislation That Guides Service Delivery to Child-headed Households

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The National Plan of Action (Department of Social Development, 2021) identified child-headed households (CHHs) as an increasing social problem in South Africa. Section 150 of the Children’s Act, 38 of 2005 (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 2005), and the Children’s Amendment Act, 41 of 2007 (RSA, 2007), consider children living in CHHs as children in need of care and protection, and give guidelines on services to these households. Currently, there is no certainty about the successful implementation of these guidelines to address the needs of this target group. This study, therefore, used a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews with social workers to investigate their views on applying section 137 of Children’s Amendment Act, 41 of 2007 (RSA, 2007). This study found that there were gaps to address in the social work services provided to CHHs and the implementation of the Act. Some of the main recommendations included continued training and research on the implementation of the Act. Keywords: child-headed households, guidelines, legislation, service delivery, social workers

Source: Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk

DOI: 10.15270/60-3-1343

Authors: Minah Mkhavele, Elzahne Simeon de Jager, Roslind Mokwele

Institution: North-West University

Language: English

Topic: Legal and Social Justice Studies

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $185