Child Sexual Abuse Allegations: Challenges Faced by Social Workers in Child Protection Organisations

The Transferability of Family Assessment Tools between Countries: Reflections on the Intervention Research Approach

“…The researchers also noted that practitioners often focused on what is not working in their practice rather than looking at possible alternatives, as they are so overwhelmed by their huge caseloads that they just cannot envisage being introduced to anything else (Schiller, ). Participants did not reflect on the value of the instrument during the implementation phase, possibly indicating that they did not have time to reflect on their own practice or that they did not want to engage in how this instrument could add value.…”

Risk-Laden Working Lives of Child Protection Social Workers in South Africa

“…These adverse and taxing working conditions may place CPSWs at risk of negative mental health outcomes such as burnout, depression, secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue (Benjamin, 2007;Child Welfare South Africa, 2009;Gibbs, 2001;Lonne, 2008;Maposa, 2006;McFadden et al, 2014;Tham, 2006). Inadvertently, this has negative implications for service delivery, since there may be a surge in staff absenteeism, high attrition rates and unsatisfactory work performance (Coffey, Dugdill & Tattersall, 2004;Griffiths & Royse, 2017;Schiller, 2017). Consequently, the protection of the most vulnerable in society might fall short to the extent that children in need of care and protection may remain in abusive situations (Gibbs, 2001;Lamothe et al, 2018;Littlechild, 2005;Schelbe et al, 2017;Schiller, 2017;Truter et al, 2018).…”

“…Inadvertently, this has negative implications for service delivery, since there may be a surge in staff absenteeism, high attrition rates and unsatisfactory work performance (Coffey, Dugdill & Tattersall, 2004;Griffiths & Royse, 2017;Schiller, 2017). Consequently, the protection of the most vulnerable in society might fall short to the extent that children in need of care and protection may remain in abusive situations (Gibbs, 2001;Lamothe et al, 2018;Littlechild, 2005;Schelbe et al, 2017;Schiller, 2017;Truter et al, 2018). Ultimately, this leads to the violation of children's constitutional rights in most countries, including South Africa.…”

“…More recently Schiller (2017) explored the challenges experienced by 71 South African CPSWs, specifically when working with child sexual abuse cases. Schiller (2017) found that risk factors reported by CPSWs included incompetence of other role players, a failing child protection system, a lack of resources and heavy caseloads. Finally, Truter et al (2018) briefly commented on the risks experienced by 15 CPSWs employed in the Vaal Triangle and other parts of Gauteng, and found that work pressure, inadequate professional support, financial strain, challenges unique to CPSW and emotional exhaustion contributed to the difficulty and strain of their work.…”

“…However, more empirical South African studies reflecting experiences of present-day CPSWs are needed so that solutions can be tailor-made for their specific situation. The few South African studies available offer valuable insights, but they do not represent the experiences of all South African CPSWs in terms of risks and negative outcomes, since some are focused only on CPSWs working in rural settings (Alpaslan & Schenk, 2012), or focus solely on the risks associated with working with particular cases (Schiller, 2017). The study conducted by Bhana and Haffejee was conducted in 1996 and its findings are therefore somewhat outdated; and there is no in depth analysis of risks mentioned by Truter et al (2018).…”