Statistics in South Africa shows that sex offences are among the crimes that invoke the most public concern as anywhere else in the world. The number of sentenced sex offenders is increasing and denial by the sex offender is regarded as a risk factor for re-offending. Sex offenders who chronically deny their offenses are not only perceived as having a greater likelihood of recidivism, but additional questions about their childhood experiences and their experiences in their families of origin are also raised. This study described the family environment of non-admitting sex offenders and explored whether any family characteristics influenced their denial of the sexual offence. Qualitative research was applied and ten (10) incarcerated, non-admitting sex offenders were purposively selected from a Correctional Facility in the Western Cape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and Social Learning Theory was used as a lens to understand the dynamics. The findings of this study highlighted that most participants were raised in single-parent households with absent father figures, which had implications for their masculine identities and roles. These families were characterized by challenges such as domestic violence, substance abuse, unsatisfactory support and compromised parenting styles.

Mental health-care statistics in South Africa indicate that large numbers of individuals do not have access to mental health-care practitioners and that mental health difficulties appear to be exacerbated by significant social problems. The need to combat this ever-increasing void was acknowledged by the South African government and the category of registered counsellor was created to afford a form of mental health care to disadvantaged communities. To date, it appears that registered counsellors have been somewhat unsuccessful in their attempts to fulfil their intended role. Hence, in 2011, a newly formulated scope of practice was introduced which engaged registered counsellors in the areas that would most efficiently address the mental health-care gap. The purpose of this research study was to explore the perceptions of registered counsellors regarding their role of providing mental health-care services in the South African context. A qualitative interpretive descriptive approach with a sample of 12 individuals, who are registered as registered counsellors with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, was used. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews guided by an interview schedule. Thematic analysis was used to identify the themes. The study found that the registered counsellors perceived their role as important in the context of mental health-care development in South Africa, but despite this, they also experienced negative perceptions regarding the changing scope of their role in South Africa. This manifested in uncertainty among the registered counsellors. Negative perceptions were also reported in terms of a lack of acknowledgement from other mental healthcare practitioners and ignorance from the public regarding the work of registered counsellors.

Play is affected by the specific community and culture children live in. Through an explorative descriptive design this qualitative study explored the experiences of play of middle childhood children in a poor community in North West province. Eighteen participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data-collection methods included focus groups and collages. Findings illustrated different types of play, factors which influenced the children's play, and the effects of poverty, resources, safety and supportive structures on play. It is recommended that professionals rendering services to children in this specific age group be aware of the games children prefer to play.

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