Work

Toolkits utilized by social workers rendering family reunification services to child offenders in foster care

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article qualitatively explores the toolkits used by social workers providing family reunification services to child offenders in foster care and their family of origin. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from social workers employed by non-governmental organizations in Bloemfontein, Free State. The findings show that social workers lack standardized toolkits that address the needs of child offenders in foster care. As a result, they are often referred to the South African National Institute for Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders and One-Stop Child Justice Centre, which limits social workers’ jurisdiction regarding the rendering of family reunification services. The findings further indicate that child offenders in foster care seldom reunite with their families due to contributing factors such as unfavourable processes.

Source: The British Journal of Social Work

DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcaf035

Authors: Bradley Morapeleng Cecil Thebe, Hanelie Malan

Institution: North-West University

Language: English

Topic: Child Welfare and Adoption

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,492