Developmental social work in South Africa: Translating policy into practice

Abstract

Developmental social work is receiving increasing international recognition and much may be learnt from its application in different societal contexts. The article draws on empirical data from a South African study and provides valuable insight into how social workers conceptualize and translate developmental social work into practice.

Challenges of Statutory Social Workers in Linking Foster Care Services With Socio-Economic Developmentprogrammes

“…However, in order to contribute to poverty reduction, more social and economic development programmes should be integrated with foster care services such as cooperative micro-enterprises, savings associations, after-school homework classes, adult literacy classes, day-care centres, job training and job referral programmes provided by non-profit organisations (Midgley & Conley, 2010). In support, Patel and Hochfeld (2012) state that apart from providing protection and therapeutic services, foster care services are aimed at supporting and growing local community initiatives through community development initiatives, including income generation and micro-enterprises, to promote the livelihood capabilities of people who are poor -in this case, foster parents and children. More specifically, Patel (2015) points out that investments in employment programmes, skills development, public works, selfemployment for people who are poor and marginalised, and micro-enterprises and fostering asset accumulation through subsidised savings schemes are mostly favoured over an excessive focus on the provision of social grants and remedial and maintenanceoriented social services.…”

Mapping social work education in the West Africa region: Movements toward indigenization in 12 countries’ training programs

“…Available research on social work in Africa has focused on pressing social issues such as HIV/AIDS (Kang'ethe, 2014;Tanga, Khumalo, & Gutura, 2017), poverty alleviation (Chikadzi & Pretorius, 2014;Mtshali, Raniga, & Khan, 2014;Raniga & Motloung, 2013;Raniga & Ngcobo, 2014), child protection systems (Davis, 2009;Sibanda & Lombard, 2015;Sossou & Yogtiba, 2009) as well as the transition to developmental social work (Gray & Lombard, 2008;Hölscher, 2008;Patel & Hochfeld, 2013). While research in other parts of the continent, notably South Africa, is more visible (see, e.g., Earle, 2008;Mamphiswana & Noyoo, 2000;McKendrick, 1987), little research has detailed the state of social work programs in the West Africa region.…”

Developmental Social Work for Promoting the Socioeconomic Participation of Persons with Disabilities: An Application of the Capability Approach

“…Developmental social work is a holistic and pragmatic social work approach based on the principles of human rights and social justice that addresses poverty and socioeconomic inequalities at the individual, household, community, and policy levels (Elliott & Mayadas, 2001;Midgley, 2010;Knapp & Midgley, 2010). In addition to leading scholar James Midgley, researchers and professionals from the Global South, such as Africa, have developed its practical approaches (e.g., Patel, 2005;Gray, 2006;Patel & Hochfeld, 2013;Van Breda, 2015). Developmental social work utilises multiple approaches and skills, in particular social investment, community building, capacity development, and the integration of micro-macro practice (Midgley, 2010;Van Breda, 2015).…”