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Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district
Mini Dissertation (MSW (Play-based intervention))--University of Pretoria, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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University of Pretoria
2026
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| _version_ | 1869483873091452928 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Chiba, Jenita |
| author_browse | Chiba, Jenita |
| author_facet | Chiba, Jenita |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
| description | Mini Dissertation (MSW (Play-based intervention))--University of Pretoria, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/108486 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-07-01T04:05:54.702Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/108486 Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district Chiba, Jenita Lezelle.coertze@gmail.com Coertze, Lezelle UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Referrals Designated child protection organisations Designated child protection services School social workers Mini Dissertation (MSW (Play-based intervention))--University of Pretoria, 2025. School Social Workers (SSWs) play a crucial role in identifying and safeguarding children requiring care and protection by referring them to Designated Child Protection Organisations (DCPOs) for statutory intervention. Despite this essential function, SSWs experience significant challenges during the referral process. While the experiences of statutory workers are documented, there is a distinct gap in research concerning the lived experiences of SSWs during this referral process in the Ekurhuleni District (ED) of Gauteng. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of SSWs in the ED when referring children to DCPOs, specifically identifying factors contributing to both positive and overwhelmingly negative experiences, and determining the effect of service delays and non-delivery on both the SSW and the referred child. A qualitative research approach was utilised, involving a sample of seven SSW participants. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using the Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) process. The key findings revealed that SSWs' experiences were predominantly negative and caused enormous frustration. Major challenges included confusion over the correct referral procedures, difficulties establishing communication with DCPOs, lack of feedback, and prolonged delays or complete failure by DCPOs to commence investigations or render services. These delays force children to remain in harmful environments, causing significant worry and distress for the SSWs. Seasoned SSWs have adopted coping mechanisms and utilise extensive school and community resources to support children in the interim. The study identifies a systemic need for increased resources, particularly a critical shortage of social work practitioners in schools and DCPOs, a lack of financial resources, and insufficient alternative care facilities for children, especially those with special needs. The research concludes that the lack of timely intervention by DCPOs has far-reaching consequences for the well-being of children and the professional lives of SSWs. This study highlights the urgent need for systemic reform, streamlining the referral process, and addressing the dire need for more human resources. Recommendations include mandatory training in ethics and streamlined referral procedures for all child protection systems and a systemic response, starting at the National Government level, to increase the number of practitioners and facilities. These findings are vital for policymakers, the Department of Social Development (DSD), DCPOs, and universities training social workers. Social Work and Criminology MSW (Play-based intervention) Unrestricted Faculty of Humanities None 2026-02-20T07:22:04Z 2026-02-20T07:22:04Z 2026 2025-11-29 Mini Dissertation * A2026 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108486 10.25403/UPresearchdata.31368685 en © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Referrals Designated child protection organisations Designated child protection services School social workers Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district |
| title | Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district |
| title_full | Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district |
| title_fullStr | Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district |
| title_short | Experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the Ekurhuleni district |
| title_sort | experiences of school social workers when referring cases to child protection organisations in the ekurhuleni district |
| topic | UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Referrals Designated child protection organisations Designated child protection services School social workers |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108486 |