Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Children Institutional care South Australia'

The main aim of this study was to explore and describe the general and emotional development of a sample of South African children between the age of five and eight years in residential care. More specifically, the study aimed to explore and describe the general level of development of a sample of children in residential care; to explore and describe the development of a sample of children in residential care in six areas of development; and to describe the emotional wellbeing of children in residential care. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was applied as the participants were comprised of children between the ages of 5 and 8 years housed at the residential care facility. The sample consisted of 11 children. The multiple case study method was used to achieve the aim of the study, using both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data consisted of scores obtained from the administration of the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The qualitative data was obtained from the Human Figure Drawing (HFD), participants’ scholastic progress reports, case reports from the residential care facility and clinical observations during the assessment period. The data was analysed according to thematic analysis. The results highlighted the pervasiveness of delays in all domains of child development of children housed in residential care, specifically that of language, social and emotional development. An important finding of the study was that decrements in these domains of development underpinned delays in the other domains of development since they form the foundation of learning and relating to the world. The study served to emphasize the importance of consistent developmental assessment in order to ascertain whether these children present with developmental delays and, if so, to xv identify which areas of development are most affected. Information from the developmental assessments could assist in the early identification of developmental delays and allow for individually tailored interventions to overcome such delays.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lungisisa Indlela Village is a non-profit organisation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It provides holistic residential care for orphaned and vulnerable children in order to “rescue a child, restore a life, raise a leader and release a star”. The village can house 1 000 orphans and the model used is long-term cluster foster care where the children will get a sense of belonging in a homely environment, modelling an African village lifestyle. The houses are built in clusters, each with eight homes surrounding a communal play area. Each home has a fully-trained house mother who may bring two biological children, and will be given up to six children through the Department of Social Welfare. Within a family environment, they will receive unconditional love, spiritual discipleship, care and nurturing. The Lungisisa Indlela Village School is a registered independent school which comprises a play-school, pre-school, primary school and secondary school. Lungisisa Indlela Village is assisting others who have the same vision to build villages in Pretoria, Benoni, Kimberley, Grahamstown, East London and George. The vision of Lungisisa Indlela Village is to build thousands of villages across Africa in order to turn one of the continent’s biggest problems into the solution. The research focus is on the discipline of social marketing. More specifically, how Lungisisa Indlela Village makes use of the principles of social marketing in order to gain support from the community, government, corporate organisations and churches. A case study approach was followed, whereby literature and in-depth interviews were used to compare Lungisisa Indlela Village’s current marketing activities to best practice social marketing principles. The aim of the research was not only to assist Lungisisa Indlela Village with their expansion, but also to assist other orphanages and cause-related marketing organisations in putting together a marketing plan to drive the desired behaviour in both South Africa and the rest of Africa (in countries facing similar challenges). The study, even though aimed at how Lungisisa Indlela Village compares to best practice social marketing principles, revealed that there are many other business and strategic issues to consider. These issues, however, inform how the marketing plan is executed. Leadership, governance, relationship with government and marketing the Lungisisa Indlela Village brand and solution are very important questions, issues and initiatives that need to be addressed before further expansion takes place. The author would like to encourage the reader to watch the following video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSnujMEumrc, before reading the rest of this paper.

Includes bibliography.
Die navorser het gepoog om vas te stel of drosgedrag in assosiasie met sekere veranderlikes plaasvind, dus of daar tendense bestaan. Die veranderlikes van belang vir die maatskaplike werk professie het voorkeur gekry in die studie. Die doel hiervan was om aan te toon dat hierdie professie 'n rol kan speel ten opsigte van hierdie gedrag. Die studie is beperk tot een inrigting, naamlik 'n plek van veiligheid. Tendense oor 'n 10 jaar tydperk, 1980-1989, is bestudeer sodat moontlik ook die invloed van personeelaangeleenthede en verskille in die bestuur van die inrigting indentifiseer kan word. Die data is vanuit argiefrekords, soos die persoonlike leêrs, straf-, opname-, en drostersregister, verkry. Ongestruktureerde onderhoude met die personeel het addisionele inligting verskaf. Oor sekere van die data is gegewens van die totale drosterpopulasie oor 10 jaar ingewin (N=492). Ander gegewens is vanuit die beskikbare persoonlike lêers (nl=413) verkry. Nie alle lêers het die verlangde gegewens beskikbaar gehad nie, en vir sekere gegewens is data vir kleiner groepe drosters ingewin. Hierdie gegewens is getabuleer, en waar van toepassing, is van grafieke of histogramme gebruik gemaak. Uit die resultate kon die volgende afgelei word: die omvang van die probleem is wyd en regverdig navorsing. 'n Hӧer drossyfer word in die maande van Februarie, Maart en November gevind. Daar is nie 'n tendens om op sekere dae van die week meer as ander dae te dros nie. Die meeste drosters dros binne 'n kort tyd na opname, en dros dan slegs enkele male van korte duur. Meer seuns dros as dogters. Die meeste drosters val binne die ouderdomsgroep 14-16 jaar en hierdie groep is ook vir die hoogste aantal drosinsidente verantwoordelik. Die meerderheid drosters dros in groepe, en in die geselskap van 'n ervare droster wanneer hulle die eerste maal dros. Die meeste drosters het 'n geskiedenis van wegloop- of drosgedrag. Die I.K. van drosters is ietwat laer as die van die normale bevolking, en hulle is ook meestal skolasties vertraag. Die meeste drosters meld mees gereeld hulle ongelukkigheid by die veiligheidsplek as 'n rede vir dros. Daar word tydens drosinsidente meestal huiswaarts gedros. Uit die resultate kon dus afgelei word dat, hoewel drosters waarskynlik ook emosionele probleme het, omgewingsfaktore 'n rol speel by drostery. Die belangrike implikasie van die bevinding is dat drostery deur omgewingsmanipulasie verminder behoort te kan word, en dat die maatskaplike werk professie 'n belangrike rol in die opsig kan speel.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aimed to create an elaborate model that can shed light on the intra- and interpersonal functioning of middle childhood and early adolescent South African girls in child care. Data used included: 1) measures of self-concept that was measured by The Beck Youth Inventories: Self-concept inventory for Youths (Beck, Beck & Jolly, 2001), 2) a qualitative indication of perceived attachment towards a mother figure and 3) biographical data provided by the social workers associated with the children's homes that participated in the study. Participants included 70 girls between the ages of 9 and 14, of which 35 were assigned to the Children's Home Group. The Control Group comprised of the rest of the participants. Regression analysis, correlation measurement and the calculation of the significance of the differences between groups were used to test hypotheses. Results indicated that perceived attachment to a mother figure is a significant mediator of selfconcept, but that factors related to age seemed to have the most significant mediating effect during the developmental stages of middle childhood and early adolescence. The results were used to combine and elaborate on existing theories of intra- and interpersonal functioning in order to suggest a model that attempts to explain the functioning of South African girls in child-care in more depth. Implications for these findings are discussed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie ondersoek was om 'n gedetailleerde modelop te stel wat lig kan werp op die intra- en interpersoonlike funksionering van middel-kinderjarige en adolessente dogters in kindersorg in Suid-Afrika. Die data wat gebruik is, sluit in: 1) meetings van selfkonsep wat gemeet is deur die Beck Youth Inventories: Self-concept inventory for Youths (Beck, Beck & Jolly, 2001), 2) 'n kwalitatiewe indikasie van dogters se persepsie oor die binding tussen hulle en hulonderskeie moeders, asook. 3) biografiese data wat verskaf is deur die maatskaplike werkers wat geassosieer was met die kinderhuise wat deelgeneem het. Die deelnemers het bestaan uit 'n groep van 70 dogters tussen die ouderdomme van 9 en 14 jaar. Die helfte van die deelnemers het vanuit die kinderhuise gekom terwyl die res van die deelnemers die kontrolegroep gevorm het. Regressie analises, korrelasie metings en die berekening van die beduidendheid van verskille tussen groepe is gebruik om hipoteses te toets. Die resultate het daarop gedui dat dogters se persepsie van die kwaliteit van die binding tussen hulle en hul moeders, wel 'n beduidende mediator van self-konsep is gedurende middle-kinderjare en adolessensie is, maar dat faktore wat verband hou met ouderdom, die grootste mediërende effek het op self-konsep gedurende hierdie ontwikkelingsfases. Op grond van die resultate is 'n model saamgestel wat 'n voortbouing is op bestaande teorie, maar poog om meer lig te werp op die intra en interpersoonlike funksionering van Suid-Afrikaanse dogters in kindersorg te verduilik. Die implikasies hiervan word bespreek.

Bibliography: pages 299-316.
Professional staff attached to Child Welfare in Cape Town are aware of the lack of academic attainment of a large number of children in alternative care. The current research investigated the relationship between scholastic performance and neuropsychological functioning in a sample of institutionalised children from culturally deprived families. A multiple case study of 21 children, ranging in age from 6 to 16 years, comprising 10 girls and 11 boys attending the same primary school, provided data on neuropsychological, behavioural and family history dimensions. A multi-model assessment approach tapped diverse sources of evidence, including the following 5 parameters: 1) The Sensory Parameter: Snellen's Visual Acuity test, and either Merryweather & Steenkamp's or Wepman's Auditory Discrimination tests. 2) The Motor Parameter: Denckla's Revised Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs and the Purdue Pegboard fine motor speed and coordination tests. 3) The Language Parameter: The UCT Graded Reading, Speed Reading and Graded Spelling tests. 4) The Integrative Parameter: Visuographic functioning included the Beery Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, the Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test and the WISC-R Mazes subtest. General intelligence was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised. Memory function was gauged both by the Benton Visual Retention Test (multiple choice format) and the WISC-R Digit Span subtest. Concentration was examined by combining 3 WISC-R subtest measures (Arithmetic, Digit Span & Coding) to yield a "Freedom from Distractibility" index. 5) The Personal Parameter: This included details of the children's heights and weights, as well as information regarding their self-concepts, measured by the Attitudes Towards Self Scale, a semantic differential self-report scale, developed by Nieuwoldt & Cronje. Written responses to 2 projective techniques, which included Wish fulfilment and Incomplete sentences, provided material for content analyses that yielded insights into attitudes to a variety of topics, including school, family life, hopes and fears.

Children have been shown to respond differently to the hurt that they suffer at the hands of others. Some of these responses involve internalised behaviours (i.e., repression of feelings, bodily symptoms, etc.); whilst others hurt manifest as externalised behaviours, such as physical attacks on others. These may include sexualised behaviours. The latter is particularly common amongst (but not restricted to) children who have been sexually abused (The American Psychological Association, 2001). For the purposes of this study a distinction is made between developmentally appropriate sexual behaviour and non normative sexualised behaviour which evoke complaints from and discomfort in those involved in the behaviour. The manifestation of these sexualised behaviours is especially pronounced amongst children in institutional care; and hence, it calls for constructive and effective management by the child care workers who are primarily responsible for their safe care and behaviour modification whilst in the institution. This qualitative study – with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design – served to explore how the child care workers’ effective management of such behaviours could be enhanced, so that the emotional wellbeing of both the “offender” and the “perpetrator” of this behaviour can be promoted. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit research participants from three different child and youth care centres in Port Elizabeth. A total number of 10 research participants were involved and data was collected up to the point of data saturation. Thematic content analysis was utilised for the analysis of the data and the necessary strategies were employed to enhance the trustworthiness of the data and to meet all the ethical requirements of the study. The main findings alert to the key requirements of Child and Youth Care Workers; it confirms the occurrence of sexualised behaviours; the urgent need for a consistent approach to the management of such behaviours; and for enhanced team work between the helping professionals in the team. The value of the study is embedded in the contributions it can make to practical interventions for children in institutional care, and to the sparse body of knowledge in this area.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the possibility of rendering family reunification services from within children's homes. The goal of the study was to make recommendations with regard to the implementation of this service by children's homes. A literature study was undertaken to investigate the effect of a child's statutory removal, examine the existing government policy regarding children and families. The theory and unique characteristics of family reunification services were also investigated. The social workers from the four children's homes in the Western Cape that are managed by a commission of the Dutch Reformed Church were involved in the empirical study. The social workers each had to complete a questionnaire regarding their opinion about the rendering of family reunification services from within the children's homes. The results showed that the majority of the social workers were in favour of the rendering of family reunification services, but they felt that it should be undertaken in conjunction with the external organizations, that referred the children to them. Several obstacles in the rendering of this service was also identified by this study. It was also found that the majority of the children in the children's homes have been there for longer than two years, which further accentuated the necessity of this service. Based on the findings of the literature study, as well as the results of the empirical study recommendations were made regarding the implementation of family reunification services as a co-operative effort between the children's homes and other relevant external organizations. These recommendations are applicable to other children's homes with cognisance of their individual differences.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: en Verkennende studie is onderneem om die moontlikheid te ondersoek vir die lewering van gesinsherenigingsdienste vanuit die kinderhuis. Die uiteindelike doel was om aanbevelings te maak ten opsigte van die implementering van hierdie diens binne die kinderhuis se werksaamhede. enLiteratuurstudie is onderneem om die effek van enkind se statutêre verwydering te ondersoek, asook die staat se beleid ten opsigte van kinders en gesinne. Ondersoek is ook ingestel na die teorie en die eiesoortige kenmerke van gesinsherenigingsdienste as intervensiemetode. Die maatskaplike werkers wat werksaam is by die vier kinderhuise in die Wes- Kaap wat onder beheer van die N.G. Kerk se Sinodale Kommissie vir die Diens van Barmhartigheid staan, is in die empiriese ondersoek betrek. Die maatskaplike werkers het elkeen en vraelys voltooi om hulopinie te verkry omtrent die haalbaarheid van gesinsherenigingsdienste vanuit kinderhuise. Die resultate het getoon dat die meerderheid maatskaplike werkers positief gesind is jeens die implementering van gesinsherenigingsdienste. Hierdie diens moet volgens die respondente egter nie alleen vanuit die kinderhuis onderneem word nie, maar in spanverband met die betrokke eksterne organisasies. Verskeie hindernisse in die uitvoering van hierdie diens is identifiseer. Daar is ook bevind dat die meerderheid van die kinders in die kinderhuise vir langer as twee jaar reeds in die kinderhuis se sorg verkeer, wat die noodsaaklikheid van die diens verder beklemtoon het. Op grond van die ondersoek en die reslutate is aanbevelings gemaak ten opsigte van die implementering van gesinsherenigingsdienste vanuit die kinderhuis in samewerking met die betrokke eksterne organisasies. Die aanbevelings van hierdie ondersoek is van toepassing op kinderhuise in die algemeen met die nodige in ag neming van hul individuele verskille.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary aim of this study was to establish normative data regarding the fears expressed by and coping mechanisms in a selected group of middle childhood children living in a children's home with respect to content, number, level and pattern of fears and the coping mechanisms as well as their perceived efficacy. Children living in a children's home were referred to as children who were removed from family care as a result of lawful intervention and were thus seen as a special population. The secondary aim was to ascertain whether any differences in the fears expressed were found with respect to the independent variables of a special population and gender. The three measuring instruments were the Free-Option Method (FOM), the Fear Survey Schedule for Children Revised (FSSC-R) and the Coping Strategy (CS). The FOM was used to determine the content and number of fears, the structured FSSC-R to establish the content, number, level and pattern of fears and the CS to obtain the coping mechanisms used and their perceived effectiveness. A predominantly quantitative method of data collection was used. This was also true for the data analysis. In all three questionnaires were completed by 141 children living in a children's home (70 boys and 71 girls) in the Western Cape between the ages of 8 and 13. The three questionnaires comprised of the FOM, FSSC-R and the CS and were administered in the above-mentioned order. The content of fears based on the results of the FOM yielded only a few similarities upon comparison to the findings of a recent study by. More similarities were apparent upon comparison of the results of the FSSC-R implying that the structuredness of the measuring instrument plays a role in how universal childhood fears really are. The number as well as level of fear was higher for the children living in a children's home in comparison to the results of normative populations. This also holds true for the level of fear on all of the fear factors of the FSSC-R Gender differences that were apparent, were consistent with previous research with girls expressing a higher number and level of fears than boys. The girls in comparison to the boys also displayed a higher level of fear on all the five factors. The coping strategy most often used as well as perceived effective was the secondary coping strategy. This was followed by the primary coping strategy and finally the relinquished control coping strategy. Specific coping strategies, which were utilised, were support seeking and avoidance and these are associated with a higher level of intemalising symptoms. Overall, the coping strategies utilised were found to be effective in reducing the fear experienced. Only a few similarities were apparent upon companson of the results of the two measunng instruments, the FOM and the FSSC-R, emphasising the need for the development of an South African Fear Schedule. Lastly, recommendations for future studies are provided.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel van die onderhawige studie was die insameling van ·normatiewe data omtrent die uitgesproke vrese van 'n geselekteerde groep kinderhuiskinders in die middelkinderjare met betrekking tot die inhoud, aantal, vlak en patroon van vrese en die hanteringstrategieë, sowel as die waargenome effektiwiteit daarvan. Kinders wat in kinderhuise woon is kinders wat van hulle gesinne verwyder is as gevolg van 'n wetlike ingreep en hulle word om hierdie rede as 'n spesiale populasie beskou. Die sekondêre doel van die onderhawige studie was om vas te stelof daar verskille was in die uitgesproke vrese met betrekking tot die onafhanklike veranderlikes van 'n spesiale populasie en geslag. Die drie meetinstrumente wat toegepas is, is die "Free Option Method" (FOM), die ''Fear Survey Schedule for Children Revised" (FSSC-R) en die "Coping Strategy"(CS). Die FOM is gebruik om die inhoud en aantal vrese te bepaal, terwyl die FSSC-R gebruik is om die inhoud, aantal, vlak en patroon van vrese te bepaal. Die CS is gebruik om die hanteringstrategieë en hul effektiwiteit te bepaal. 'n Oorwegend kwantitatiewe metode van data insameling, sowel as dataverwerking is vir hierdie studie gebruik. Drie vraelyste is beantwoord deur 141 kinders (70 seuns en 71 meisies) tussen die ouderdomme van 8 en 13 jaar wat in kinderhuise in die Wes-Kaap woon. Die FOM, FSSC-R en die CS is gebruik en in hierdie volgorde toegepas. Die inhoud van vrese wat op die resultate van die FOM gebaseer is, het weining ooreengestem met die navorsingsbevindings van 'n onlangse studie. Meer ooreenstemming is gevind met betrekking tot die inhoud van vrese wat gebaseer is op die FSSC-R resultate. Dit impliseer dat die gestruktureerdheid van die meetinstrumente 'n rol speel in hoe universeel vrese is. Die aantal sowel as vlak van vrese, was hoër vir die kinders wat in 'n kinderhuis woon vergeleke met die resultate van normatiewe populasies. Die bogenoemde is ook van toepassing ten opsigte van die vlak van vrese op al vyf faktore van die FSSC-R. Geslagsverskille wat voorgekom het, is in ooreenstemming met ander navorsingsresultate waar meisies, in vergelyking met seuns, meer vrese sowel as 'n hoër vlak van vrese op al vyffaktore van die FSSC-R getoon het. Die hanteringstrategieë wat die meeste deur die kinders gebruik is is die sekondêre hanteringstrategieë. Dit is gevolg deur die primêre hanteringstrategieë en laastens die opgegeë beheer hanteringstrategieë. Spesifieke hanteringstrategieë wat gebruik is, is ondersteuning en vermyding. Hierdie strategieë word geassosieer met 'n hoër vlak van geïnternaliseerde simptome. Oor die algemeen is die hanteringstrategieë as effektief beskou in die vermindering van vrese. Daar was min ooreenstemming tussen die resultate van die twee vrees meetinstrumente, die FOM en die FSSC-R, wat die behoefte aan die ontwikkeling van 'n vrees meetinstrument vir Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede beklemtoon. Ten slotte word enkele riglyne vir toekomstige navorsing gegee.

Doctor of Philosophy
This thesis is concerned with an examination and re-assessment of the establishment, operation and management of the Female and Male Orphan Schools, in the first half of the nineteenth century in New South Wales. The chaplains and governors in the early penal settlement were faced with a dilemma, as they beheld the number of children who were ‘orphaned’, neglected, abandoned and destitute. In order to understand the reasons why these children were in necessitous circumstances, the thesis seeks to examine the situations of the convict women, who were the mothers of these children. Governors Philip Gidley King and Lachlan Macquarie respectively in 1801 and 1819 established the Schools, which provided elementary education, training and residential care within a religious setting. Researching the motives underlying the actions of these men has been an important part of the thesis. An examination of the social backgrounds of some of the children admitted to these Schools has been undertaken, in order to provide a greater understanding of the conditions under which the children were living prior to their admissions. Information about family situations, and the social problems encountered by parents that led them to place their children in the Schools, have been explored. The avenues open to the girls and boys when they left the Schools, has formed part of the study. Some children were able to be reunited with family members, but the majority of them were apprenticed. A study of the nature of these apprenticeships, has led to a greater understanding of employment opportunities for girls and boys at that time. In 1850 the Schools were amalgamated into the Protestant Orphan School at Parramatta. By examining the governance and operation of the Schools during their last two decades as separate entities, we have more knowledge about and understanding of these two colonial institutions. It is the conclusion of this thesis that some of the harsher judgements of revisionist social historians need to be modified. It was the perception that more social disorder would occur if action was not taken to ‘rescue’ the ‘orphaned’ children, usually of convict parentage. However genuine charity, philanthropy and concern was displayed for the children in grave physical and moral danger. The goals of the founders were not always reached in the Orphan Schools, nevertheless they performed an invaluable service in the lives of many children.

Attachment theory has implications for relational functioning across the lifespan. The attachment experience of institutionalised children in South Africa is understudied. Using a psychoanalytic perspective as an addition to thematic analysis of the ASCT, this research aims to add to the functional perspective of attachment, an internal psychic frame of reference with which to view attachment of at risk children in South Africa. Using 58 ASCT protocols, divided between children’s homes and hospitals, stories were analysed using thematic content analysis and discussed with an object relations perspective. Results suggest the inclusion of additional categories of attachment to the current classification system as well as a deeper relational understanding of the experience of insecure attachment. This has implications for the current understanding and classification of attachment.

Legislation in South Africa pertaining to the care and protection of children is presently being revised and changed. Should alternative care be necessary for a vulnerable child, the Children's Act 38/2005 prioritises a foster care placement over a child and youth care centre of which a Children's Home is a part. Given the steady decline in traditional family living due to, amongst other things HIV/AIDS, poverty and unemployment in South Africa, the dominant view of family care being prioritised may not always be feasible in reality. The study researched this view by hearing the voices of children and their caregivers, in both foster care and in Children's Homes by conducting a qualitative study based on the exploratory and descriptive designs A purposive sampling strategy was used as there were clear criteria for the selection of participants. There were two sample groups. One consisted of child participants and the other consisted of caregivers viz. foster parents and child-care workers. Caregivers were included for the purposes of enhancing reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Data was collected by means of semi-structured in depth interviews with the child participants. Two focus groups were held with the caregivers; one with the foster parents and the other with the child-care workers. Both the in depth interviews as well as the focus group discussions were guided by similar themes that were linked to the main objectives of the study. The findings revealed that children's voices were largely absent in decisions pertaining to their well being; that they preferred to live with families of origin as opposed to alternative care and should they be placed in alternative care, foster care was preferred to Children's Homes. The findings further emphasized the need for infrastructural support such as family preservation programmes, financial and social work support for all poverty stricken families and strengthened human resources for Children's Homes. Recommendations therefore centred around ways in which to capacitate families of origin; ways of including children in decision making and the necessary infrastructural support to ensure optimum care for vulnerable children.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007

There has been a lot of research highlighting the plight of street children throughout the world in the past few years. A review of the literature on street children reveals that the problem is worse in developing countries. The number of street children can be expected to increase in South Africa as a result of rapid urbanisation and development. This will certainly pose a problem for the government and other organisations concerned with the welfare of street children. In order to combat the proliferation of the number of children in the streets, concerned parties need to know more about street children before intervention and effective policies can be designed. This study was initiated to serve that purpose: to provide information on how street children perceive themselves. The information gathered and results of the study can be used by service providers to design effective intervention programmes. Twenty street children from the Pietermaritzburg central business district and the comparison group of twenty children from a "place of safety" in Pietermaritzburg were interviewed and assessed. Children from the "place of safety" were chosen as a comparison group because their familial histories have many factors which are common to street children as well. Assessment ofthe two groups of children entailed measuring the children's self-concepts by using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. Human Figure Drawings were used to identify signs and levels of emotional distress using the Koppitz Emotional Indicators procedure. Furthermore, an unstructured interview was conducted with each child. The data was analysed quantitatively using statistical sub-programs of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The following statistical tests were computed: means to measure central tendency, independent t-tests to determine the statistical significance of the difference between the two groups' self-concept scores and emotional indicators. Quatro Pro and Harvard Graphics software packages were used to analyse the data qualitatively and present it graphically . Statistical analyses of the results reveal no significant differences between the self-concept of street children and that of the comparison group of placed children. Both groups' scores on the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale are within the average range. This means that street and placed children's perceptions of themselves, as measured by the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, are similar to those of other children in the general population. Signs and levels of emotional distress as measured by Koppitz' list of Emotional Indicators are within the non-pathological range for both groups. This indicates that street and placed children's levels of emotional distress are similar to those found in other children in the normal population. It is therefore concluded that despite being exposed to hazardous situations and having lived in deprived and abusive situations, street children do not display significant levels of measured emotional distress. Street children are found not to be as disturbed as previously assumed by journalists and fiction writers who tend to romanticise or politicise their plight. Placed children, who also share some of the predicaments that street children have endured in terms of turbulent childhoods, do not seem to show deficits in their self-concepts and emotional functioning either. Recommendations on how to plan intervention programmes for street children are also offered. Moreover, the standardisation of the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale on local populations is recommended.
Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Pietermartizburg, 1996

The purpose of the present study is to obtain an understanding of the primary school child's life world while resident at a Boys' Town. The study presents an extensive review of the literature on developmental phases of the primary school child, relationships with himself, his family and peer group while resident in an institution. The study employed the use of quantitative and qualitative measures to elicit information from the child. To enhance the findings of the study, information from a comparative group of primary school children with intact families from the wider community was utilized. The target subjects in the study included all primary school children resident at a Boy's Town in Tongaat. The results yielded useful insights in the life world of the primary school child. These insights into the life world of the primary school child formed the basis for recommendation and served the direction for future research. These insights into the life world of the primary school child formed the basis for recommendation and served the direction for future research.
Psychology of Education
M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

M.Ed. (Philosophy of Education)
The central aim of the study was to make an analysis of the values and value-orientations of girls committed to a child-care school in order to understand better their thought processes and behaviour. It was necessary to focus on values and value orientations as these are indicative of what is important to the girls and can be regarded as underlying motives for human behaviour. The motivation for this study lies in the fact that committal is a sensitive and often problematic situation. Children in ordinary schools are committed to child-care schools, and committed children in chid care schools are transferred to reform schools. The most important grounds for committal are need of care and unacceptable behaviour, hence the importance of examining values and value-orientations as underlying motives for behaviour. The primary expectation when committing a child to a child-care school is that the child will be guided towards a positive behaviour change. This study revealed that the value-orientation of an individual is subject to influence and that behaviour changes can be brought about through purposeful coaching of values. Bearing in mind the purposeful influencing of the value orientation of the committed pupil, it is essential that the educator should take special note of the various aspects of the committal, the living conditions, values and value-orientation of these learners. In this respect the most important aspects described in the study are: * an analysis and description of the grounds for committal and the legal stipulations applicable in cases of need of care. * The identifying of a hierarchy of fifteen main type values which can be regarded as possible determinants in assessing the behaviour of girls. * The identifying of characteristics which are typical of the lifestyle of committed girls, and which have an influence on their values, value-orientation and behaviour. With reference to the above aspects of the investigation the following are important findings: * Generally, the girls are committed on grounds of being in need of care for unacceptable behaviour. 'In need of care' refers to material inadequacies and a poor socio-economic existence. The 'unacceptable behaviour' which motivated most committals were serious disobedience, contact with undesirable friends, truancy, petty thieving, chronic absence from home and absconding from home. * With regard to the hierarchy of values it was discovered during the investigation that the values most affected were economic, relationship related, life- and personal values. Those least affected were moral, intellectual, physical and authoritative. The hierarchy of values is indicative of what is important to committed girls and affects their behaviour. * The characteristics of the lifestyle of most of the committed girls were: large families (more than five children) broken families (step parents) age at committal: 13/14 years home language: Afrikaans church attendance of parents: fairly good. Living conditions have an effect on value-orientation and contributes to behaviour on the grounds of which committal takes place.

Although the importance of Attachment in the normal development of a child has repeatedly been shown (Bowlby, 1961; 1979) there is a limited amount of research into its relationships with the usage of defense mechanisms and emotions. This research, therefore, investigated the relationships between attachment type, defense mechanisms and emotions during middle childhood (8-12 years) in 64 children from 4 children’s homes and 1 hospital in the Gauteng area. The children completed the Deferential Emotions Scale IV (DES-IV), the Attachment Story Completion Test (ASCT) and the Attachment Security Scale (ASS). The legal guardians of the children completed the Comprehensive Assessment of Defense Scale (CADS). Significant correlations were found to exist between the usage defense mechanisms and emotions. The results obtained from the analyses therefore suggest a complex interplay of relationships between attachment, defense mechanisms and emotion during middle childhood for the children in these institutions. For example, the research found that certain defense mechanisms and emotions were found to be correlated in a complex and interrelated system of interactions. Similarly, although no significant associations were found between attachment, defense mechanisms and emotions were found, the frequency distributions provided detailed information suggesting that attachment does influence the defenses used and emotion during middle childhood. These finding suggest that further research needs to be conducted in this area to further this knowledge base and to inform the caregivers and staff at institutions such as those included in the study.

M.A. (Social Work)
The purpose of this study was to provide a parent education course specially tailored to the needs of the houseparent in a childrens home. The course is intended for utilization as part of the normal in-service training programmes of resident staff. Existing materials from a large number of sources were assembled and reintegrated into a course suitable for this purpose. The focal point of the course is improvement of the relationship between houseparent and child with a view to enabling the child to utilize opportunities for growth towards a positive self-concept, responsibility, self-reliance and self-confidence. The subjects covered in the course are as follows: motivation for in-service training of resident staff knowledge of the self and self-awareness statutory procedures which precede placement in a childrens home maternal deprivation and its effect on the child in residential care developmental theory a theory of behaviour and misbehaviour factors in the family situation.

M.A. (Social Work)
The lack of relevant therapeutic programmes suitable for pre-school children staying in children's homes became apparent whilst the researcher was working in children's homes, as well as during discussions with colleagues. The inability of the pre-school child to converse fluently leads to a continuous search for quality interventions. In an attempt to resolve this need, two therapeutic programmes namely Viola Brody (1975) Developmental Touch Therapy Programme as well as a developmental group work programme developed by the researcher are implemented in a children's home. An exploratory, evaluating study, with two groups of four pre-school children each, are conducted in a children's home. An adapted experimental design is used to compare the results of the two groups. The children's behaviour are monitored and reported on in case studies. A singlesystem design is used to arrange the data, compare the two groups with each other and to monitor individual behaviour changes. The study is an exploratory probe into the viability / workableness and effectiveness of the two interventions with pre-school children in a children's home. The objective is to establish whether the programmes can be implemented in a children's homes and whether it will lead to a change in the general functioning of the children involved. The study concluded that both programmes is viable / workable. In addition, the Developmental Touch Therapy programme prove effective in the development of self concept as well as improving their general functionality, especially in developing positive behaviour. The developmental group work programme is marginal successful in respect of developing positive behaviour but unsuccessful in developing self concept.

Many young persons live under difficult circumstances. Factors including HIV/AIDS pandemic, exacerbate the need to place young persons into alternative placements. The new and the unknown can be frightening but carrying a faithful transitional object establishes therapeutic bridge between the old and known and the new and unknown. This study sought to explore South African child and youth care workers' awareness of young persons' objects of significance in residential care settings. The rational was that with greater awareness, important objects may become a more useful option for the promotion of young persons' well-being. The research confirmed that South African child and youth care workers are aware of the existence and importance of significant objects. It further revealed that young persons possess different objects of significance to which workers need to pay careful attention.
Research Institute for Theology and Religion
M.Tech. (Child and Youth Care)

Dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Consumer Science Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2011.
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the care and support of people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and children in particular are affected by HIV and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Africa in various ways. The epidemic puts children at risk physically, psychologically and economically. Children are indirectly affected by HIV and AIDS when the epidemic has a negative impact on their communities and the services these communities provide. Undernutrition is a major problem in HIV-positive children in South Africa with severe malnutrition as a common finding in HIV-positive children. HIV contributes to an increased incidence and severity of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency. Low serum levels of vitamins A, E, B6, B12 and C, betacarotene, selenium, zinc, copper and iron deficiencies are frequently documented during all stages of HIV-infection. Malnutrition in turn further weakens the immune system which increases the susceptibility to infections and the duration and the severity of infections. Thus, the immune response is less effective and less vigorous when an individual is undernourished. Although guidelines exist for the treatment and management of HIV-infected children, it is clear from the literature that exceptional measures are needed to ensure the health and well-being of the children are met. Furthermore, residential care should not only be considered as a last resort for children’s care, but also as an intervention that requires more than merely addressing children’s basic physical needs. Nutrition education has been utilised globally and in South Africa to address nutrition related problems. The main purpose of nutrition education is to provide individuals with adequate and accurate information, skills and motivation to buy, produce and consume the correct foods to stay healthy and lead an active life. Aim The purpose of this study was to develop reliable and valid nutrition education material for the child care workers (CCWs) of Immune Compromised children vi resident in Children’s Homes in the Durban area in order to maintain the child’s immune system and to optimise their quality of life. Methodology The FAO framework used for planning, implementing and evaluating a nutrition education programme was followed to develop the nutrition education material in this study. Phase I included a situational analysis of the children homes involved. The residential care settings that participated in this study included three Children’s Homes in Durban. The total purposive sample included: boys (5–19 years) n = 112, girls (5–19 years) n = 38 and CCWs n = 40. The sample of HIV-positive children included boys (5–19 years) n = 3 and girls (5– 19 years) n = 6. The physical measurements obtained for this study to determine nutritional status were weight and height. The anthropometric measurements were captured and analysed by the researcher using the World Health Organisation’s AnthroPlus version 1.0.2. Statistical software. The following indices were included: height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-age (underweight) and BMI-for-age (overweight and wasting). The WHO growth standards for school-aged children and adolescents were used to compare the anthropometric indicators. Dietary intake measurements were done by analysing the cycle menus by means of the Food Finder® Version 3 computer software program and comparing the results with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), specifically the EAR and AI where the EAR were not available. The data were analysed to determine the adequacy of energy and nutrient intake. Average portion sizes were established by the plate waste studies method as well as observation of practices, interviews with the central buyer and focus group discussions with the CCWs. Nutrition knowledge of the CCWs was determined by a self-administered questionnaire developed and tested for reliability and validity. The problems identified in Phase I through the implementation of the questionnaires and other methods directed the design of messages in Phase II. Once suitable media was selected, nutrition education material was developed based on existing guidelines pertaining to HIV and AIDS. The material developed was then tested for reliability and validity before it was produced. vii Results The anthropometric measurements indicated that the majority of the HIV-negative boys and girls were of normal height-for-age and weight-for-age. The results also showed that possible risk of overweight and overweight were more prevalent in girls whereas underweight was more prevalent in boys. Furthermore, the results indicated that a third (33.0%) of the HIV-positive children were stunted and 16.7% was severely stunted. Findings of the menu analysis indicated that both girls and boys consumed three times more carbohydrates than the recommended intake. The DRIs for girls and boys were met for energy and protein in all the age groups except boys aged 14-18 years did not meet the DRI for energy. However, the comparison of the actual intake of the macro nutrients with the WHO guidelines indicated that the protein (10.78%) and carbohydrate (58.07%) is within the recommendations of 10- 15% and 55–75% respectively. This comparison also showed that the total fat intake of 31.15% was above the recommended intake of 15-30%. None of the age groups met the DRIs for fibre. The comparison of the intake with the WHO guidelines also indicated that the total dietary fibre intake was only 19.67g/day and not 27–40g/day. The actual fruit and vegetable intake was a mere 68.64g/day instead of 400g/day as recommended. None of the groups met the DRIs for calcium and iodine. The results clearly showed that micro nutrient inadequacies were more prevalent in the dietary intake of age groups 9-13 and 14-18 years in both girls and boys. Inadequate intake of magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenate, biotin, vitamin E and vitamin K were evident in the age group 14-18 year. Overall, it is evident from the results on nutrition knowledge that although the respondents’ knowledge was fair on general nutrition guidelines, the results of the nutrition knowledge questionnaire indicated that knowledge on the importance of a variety in the diet is lacking. The CCWs displayed a very poor knowledge of the recommended number of fruit and vegetable portions per day as well as correct serving sizes of vegetable portions. A very poor knowledge also existed regarding the role of healthy eating in maintaining and supporting the immune system and a limited knowledge on correct hygiene practices was noted. The fridge magnets developed included five messages relating to nutrition and four messages relating to food safety and hygiene. viii Conclusion This study established that malnutrition is apparent in the children’s homes and that there were many gaps in the nutrition knowledge of the CCWs. These gaps included the role of good nutrition in the support and maintenance of the immune system and the importance of adequate intake of fruit and vegetables daily. The NEM developed in this study will address these gaps.

MCur
Department of Advanced Nursing Science
The path of children heading families following the death of both parents takes many twists and turns, and a lot of support to face the challenging environment is needed. The path is not easy as compared to children with parents in terms of support and guidance. The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of children heading families at Makhado municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The objective of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of children heading families. Qualitative research approach with explorative, descriptive, contextual, interpretative phenomenological designs were used. Population of the study comprised of children heading families following the death of both parents, residing at Makhado municipality in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The sample size of 20 participants was determined by data saturation. Data was transcribed verbatim and translated from Tshivenda to English language. Tesch’s eight steps criteria was used to analyse data. The results of the study revealed that children heading families following the death of both parent’s experience various challenges and ineffective support from different community structures. The researcher ensured trustworthiness and ethical consideration were considered throughout the study. Recommendations were developed based on the findings of the study. Keywords: Child, Child headed families, Experience, Family, Parent
NRF

As a social worker at the Desmond Tutu Child and Youth Care Centre in Gauteng province, the researcher noticed an increase in the number of applications for adolescents’ admission to the Centre due to a breakdown in their foster care placements. This raised a question regarding the factors contributing to this breakdown. The aim of the study was to develop an in-depth understanding of factors contributing to the breakdown of foster care placements from the perspectives of the adolescents who were fostered and from those of their foster parents. The qualitative research approach was used applying an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009:186). For data verification, Guba’s model (in Krefting (1990:214-220) was applied. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made about foster care involving adolescents.
Social Work
M.A. (Social Work)

The transformation of child and youth care ran concurrently with the political transformation in South Afriola. One of the projects aimed at establishing the transformation of child and youth care, was Project Go. This project placed a moratorium on the transfer of children 'deeper' into the child care system. It aimed at reunifying children ln residential care wtth their families. Furthermore, the projed assessed the children in the system with the aim of accommodating them in the least restrictive, most empowering child care facility. This narrative action research study focused on the effects of Project Go and the transformations on the children at the Children's Haven M T R Smit This study can also be described as emanciipatory action research. This qualitative study is positioned within a social construction discourse. Knowledge was socially constructed through multiple reflexive conversations. I researched the background to the transformation of the child and youth care system and investigated the implications of the transformation for the children at t.he Children's Haven M T R Smit,as well as for the child care workers and management of the haven. A narrative approach was employed. I relied on the Foucauldian discourse to come to some understanding of issues of power and resistance. Following Foucauldian thought, I investigated discourses constituting the care that the children at the Children's Haven M T R Smit received. This investigatlon led me to formulate some understanding of the history of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) the body responsible for the management of the haven since it was founded in the earty 1920s. 0nce I reached an understanding of some of the historical developments of the DRC (which l learned was closely linked lo Afrikaner politics), I explored some implications of the transformation for the DRC's future involvement with the children in its care. This exploration led me to a comparison of the theology of the DRC and black liberation theology, focusing on prophetic practice. Although not an initial aim of this study, I learned that the transfornation of child and youth care held implications not only for the pastoral practice of the DRC, but also for the helping professions such as psychology, social work and child care. l focused briefly on the ethics and some limitations of care provided by the profession of psychology. I reflected on the implications of the transformation of child and youth care for the helping professions.
Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology
D. Th. (Practical Theology (Pastoral Therapy))

Text in Afrikaans
Die huisouermodel word tans internasionaal in kinderhuise gevolg. ’n Huisouer of huisouerpaar tree as surrogaatouer(s) op en woon saam met die kinders in ’n huis in ’n gewone woonbuurt, weg van die hoofkampus van die kinderhuis. Direkte waarneming van die daaglikse funksionering van huisouers binne die huisouermodel het die navorser bewus gemaak van die kompleksiteit van die huisouer(s) se take. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was gevolglik om ’n verkennende studie te onderneem, ten einde te bepaal watter bydrae kernrolspelers kan lewer om huisouers binne die huisouermodel van ’n kinderhuis in die uitvoering van hulle take te ondersteun. Om hierdie doel te bereik is ’n kwalitatiewe navorsingstudie uitgevoer waartydens semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met huisouers en kernrolspelers van drie satelliethuise van ’n kinderhuis, as data-insamelingsmetode benut is. Die kwalitatiewe data is geanaliseer en die bydrae wat kernrolspelers kan lewer om huisouers in die uitvoering van hulle take te ondersteun, is beskryf.
Internationally, children’s homes follow the houseparent model. A houseparent or houseparent couple act as surrogate parent(s) and live with children in a home, away from the main campus of the children’s home. Direct observation of the functioning of houseparents within the houseparent model brought awareness with regards to the complexity of houseparents’ tasks. The goal of this research was to conduct an exploratory study to determine what contribution key role players can make to support houseparents within the houseparent model with the fulfilment of their tasks. To achieve this goal, data was gathered through the application of a qualitative research study, utilising semi-structured interviews that were conducted with houseparents and key role players within three satellite homes. The qualitative data was analysed and the contribution that key role players can make to support houseparents in the fulfilment of their duties was described.
Social Work
M. Diac. (Spelterapie-rigting)

In the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, welfare organisations in Vryheid situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal have noted dramatic increases in requests for foster care placements for orphaned children. In many instances, orphans have lived by private arrangement with extended families for several years. However, families are increasingly overwhelmed with the burden of overextending scarce resources, forcing them to seek welfare assistance. Community-based responses to the crisis are regarded as top priority. This study examines literature regarding child care alternatives for orphans, focussing on foster care as the primary option. A study was conducted which explored community perceptions towards the local orphan crisis and foster care in particular. Findings revealed that although the adage 'Blood is thicker than water' still applies, foster care cannot stand alone. Alternate forms of care-giving need to be found to avoid plunging orphan care into further crisis.
Social work
M.A.(Social Science (Mental Health))

Text in Afrikaans
Children in children’s homes often make use of specific behaviour - defined as contact boundary disturbances in Gestalt theory - as a result of their intense emotional needs, but also to protect themselves or to be assertive in their current environment. This qualitative, applied study aimed to determine and describe the way the child care workers of a rural child and youth care centre manage and experience the contact boundary disturbances of children in the children’s home. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight child care workers. In conducting the study, the researcher found that the child care workers had inadequate knowledge and insight regarding contact boundary disturbances and how to handle it. It was concluded that the management of children’s homes must ensure that training and support are provided to child care workers so that their needs are addressed in order to prevent burnout. Recommendations that will be valuable with respect to the handling skills and emotional experiences of child care workers were made.
Social Work
M. Diac. (Spelterapie)

The research posed two questions, namely (a) how much stress, if any, is experienced by house mothers in a childrens' home, and (b) which factors cause such stress. The methodology employed is descriptive research. It covered the total population of ten house mothers in a childres' home. Measuring instruments employed were; the Heimler scale for Social Functioning, the Glazer Stress Control Life Style Questionnaire, the Stress Questionnaire, and a self-formulated questionnaire. The results are as follows: 70% reported average to high stress, but are inclined to deny stress. 30% reported normal stress levels, Possible causes of stress are the work context of the childrens' home, age, period of service, and personality.
Die studie soek antwoorde op twee vrae, naamlik (a) hoeveel sires, indien enige, beleef huismoeders in 'n kinderhuis, en (b) wat veroorsaak sulke sires? Die metode wat gebruik was, is beskrywende navorsing. Die totale populasie van tien huismoeders in die spesifieke kinderhuis is betrek. Die klein omvang maak hierdie studie nie veralgemeenbaar nie. Die volgende meetinstrumente is benut ; die Heimlerskaal vir Maatskaplike Funksionering, die "Glazer Stress Control Life Style Questionnaire'', die "Stress Questionnaire", en 'n selfgeformuleerde vraelys. Die resultate is soos volg: 70% van die huismoeders in die studie vermeld gemiddelde tot hoe mates van stres, maar is geneig om stres te ontken. Dertig persent van die respondente vermeld normale hoeveelhede stres. Moontlike oorsake van sires is aangetoon as: die werkskonteks binne die kinderhuis, ouderdom, tydperk van diens, en persoonlikheid
Social Work
M.A. (Social Work: Mental Health)

This single case study was undertaken to determine how the Gestalt approach can be used to guide the child to adjust in a children's home. The study dealt with two models of children's homes, namely the traditional setting and the family centered home setting, as well as adjustment and attachment of a single child's experience in the middle school years, in the family centered home setting. In addition, the trauma, loss and culture shock are highlighted to demonstrate the difficulty children experience in adjusting to a new environment such as a children's home. Data were captured around the participant's experience and process, entering the children's home and the facilitating through intervention. Through the intervention the participant's process was identified, helping him to cope with his new situation. Through Gestalt play therapy the participant's active involvement in his adjustment process was clear and his adjustment was increased.
Social work
MDIAC (PLAY THERAPY)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of implementing community based care for moderately mentally retarded persons in a specific centre in the Port Elizabeth area. The objectives of the study were to identify • the needs of the moderately mentally retarded children. • the physical, psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation means of meeting these needs. • how involved the communities, parents and government were in the care of moderately mentally retarded children. A quantitative, exploratmy and descriptive design was used. A sample of 50 moderately mentally retarded children was utilised. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The major research findings indicate that community care for MMRPs could only be feasible with sufficient resources, expertise and community involvement. All these aspects appeared to be lacking in the centre where this research was conducted raising questions as to benefits which the mentally retarded children and their parents and the community could derive from these services. However recommendations were made on identified shortcomings, problems and needs.
Health Science
M.A.(Nursing Science)