Browsing by Author "Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver."

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The accessibility to social assistance by persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Vulindlela area.
(2008) Mtembu, Maloney Lindiwe.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The Social Assistance Act of No. 59 of 1992 was put into place to help in assisting poverty stricken people of South Africa by offering social grants to an aged, disabled person or a war veteran. Due to the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS, people living with HIV/AIDS were entitled to social assistance. However, grave problems exist for this group of persons to access social assistance such as the qualifying criteria for the disability grant being complicated by the medical nature of HIV/AIDS, taking anti-retroviral therapy and problems in the administration procedures. Compounding these, is that rural areas are underdeveloped and lack infrastructure to accommodate adequate service provision. This study aimed to increase understanding of access to social assistance by people living with HIV/AIDS in the rural area of Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study researched this by hearing the voices of both the service providers (key informants) and people living with HIV/AIDS (patient respondents) by conducting a qualitative study based on a descriptive research design. Data was collected by means of semi-structured, in depth-interviews for both the service providers as well as patient respondents in this study. Findings revealed that the voices of people living with HIV/AIDS were not heard and further that they were not even aware of their rights and entitlements to social security. In fact, in many instances people died without having had any access to their grants whilst others had to wait months before receiving their grants. Findings emphasized the need for education, training and retraining for service providers, recipients and educational institutions as HIV/AIDS poses a major challenge in our society and as it is an ever changing phenomenon. Using an ecosystemic frame of reference, recommendations were multi-fold and included better networking and collaboration amongst the different bodies that are involved in grant administration and revisiting qualifying criteria. Other recommendations included strategies to deal with corruption, the development of pressure and lobbying groups and staff shortages. Given the time it takes to plan and implement changes and given the life threatening nature of HIV and AIDS, a key recommendation was for a newly introduced grant exclusively for the people living with the virus, to lessen the burden of meeting qualifying criteria and thus give dignity to and improve life quality.
Belly dance as a strategy for women's self care.
(2008) Sookoo, Ashika.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The focus of this study was the exploration of belly dance as a form of female self care. The specific facet of self care explored was female health and well being as impacted on by belly dance. There is a limited amount of existing scholarly studies t hat focus on the value of belly dance in self care. Therefore this study followed a qualitative format which promoted exploration of th is under researched field. This study occurred in a context where women’s lives are busier than ever before as a result of their involvement in both the home and the workplace. Thus there is a need for them to engage in self care activities that effectively restore and replenish body, mind and soul in order to enable them to continue to meet their multiple responsibilities in a functional manner. Facets of self care explored were psychical, mental and social health and well being as impacted on by belly dancing. To achieve this, data collection tools of focus groups and interviews, following a semi-structured format were used. The results showed that belly dance plays a significant and positive role, not only in female self care but in enjoyment as well. Some specific aspects of belly dance found to be useful to female self ca re was its liberating use of the female form, its non-discriminatory aspect that unites all women in enjoyment of the dance, the absence of men, the supportive presence of women, the music, the feminine aspects, a secure environment and the opportunity that belly dance presents for women to pl ay a different role. Conclusions point to women viewing society as androcentric and providing little opportunity for feminine expression. A major conclusion is that women are non-verbally strong, relational beings who are predisposed to the language of dance and music. They are effectively revitalised by dance and music as presented by belly dance. This has implications for social work service delivery to women on multiple levels.
The challenges confronting social workers in meeting the objectives of permanency planning at children's homes in the magisterial district of Durban.
(2006) Moodley, Rajeshree.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The main aim of this study was to understand the challenges of social workers in meeting the obligations of permanency planning when rendering services at Children's Homes in the Magisterial District of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Permanency planning is guided by policy and prescribed in practice but the challenges have not been studied. The descriptive study was qualitative (focus groups) with elements of a quantitative nature (checklist) that targeted the population. Respondents included participants from 15 children's homes, 5 Child and Family Welfare Societies and 2 State District Offices. The checklist of 25 items was completed by 12 principals of children's homes. Results confirmed that permanency planning was not practiced according to policy even though social workers had a good understanding of what was required of them. Children's homes, although recognized as temporary accommodation for children, were sometimes used as an option for permanency planning. Creative efforts towards permanency planning, despite their challenges of limited resources and institutional barriers were evident. However, programmes and activities towards promoting permanency planning needed in-depth evaluation. If used inappropriately, for example leave of absence and the host programme could increase insecurity, instability and unpredictability rather than promoting permanency planning. Recommendations were for social workers to make a significant difference by addressing their negative perceptions, values, attitudes and .beliefs towards parents, to apply solutions found in this study and to play an advocacy role especially with regard to policy and resources. It became apparent that unless the challenges of the social workers were addressed, they would not be able to meet the objectives of permanency planning, even though it is a statutory requirement. Although social workers hold the primary responsibility and accountability for permanency planning, in practice its implementation and effectiveness depended on the interconnection and co-operation of various systemic influences.
Discipline and disciplinary measures used at selected secondary schools.
(2006) Narain, Anil Pravesh.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The purpose of this study was to explore various aspects of discipline in secondary schools inter alia the views of educators to changes regarding the behaviour of learners today as compared to the past, the banning of corporal punishment in schools, commitment to provide support, and to elicit alternative methods of maintaining discipline. The study was an exploratory one aiming to bring the views of the educator to the fore in clinical research. It was also undertaken to spur other research into this area. The study was undertaken with educators from the town of Verulam in the north coast of Kwazulu- Natal, South Africa. All secondary schools in the area were targeted. This was a possibility sample as it was peculiar to the context and is valid because it does have resemblance to reality. The sample reflected the remnants of the old apartheid educational structures. Various types of schools were included inclusive of ex -House of Delegates, ex-Department of Education, private and religion-based schools. The sample had semblance of the general educator population. Educators in nine of the secondary schools responded to a questionnaire. The structured questionnaire had a quantitative and qualitative bias. The response rate was 58.3 percent. A statistical package was used to analyse the statistical aspects of the questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that educators believed that the incidents and severity of learner misbehaviour had increased rapidly post 1996. A significantly large number also stated that their superiors (the Department of Education-DOE) have left a void with the banning of corporal punishment by provldinq little or no alternatives to discipline learners. Many respondents believed that their authority was undermined and it affected discipline and hence the culture of teaching and learning. Serious offenders were handed to management of schools. Management in schools were viewed as supportative although there was a call for consistency in the application of the schools' Code of Conduct. Numerous methods of disciplining were suggested with the most popular being getting the parent involved and personal counselling. Sadly, the third popular measure believed to be effective was the use of corporal punishment, albeit it was used by a small percentage of respondents. There was no significant difference in views between male and female respondents. Various extraneous factors influencing poor behaviour were postulated. The learners' background, role of the parent and peer pressure, were viewed as most important. School contextual factors such as large classes and poor resources were also noted. Recommendations for better discipline and disciplinary measures were highlighted. The study called for a review of the Code of Conduct as required by the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, with the focus being immediacy and relevance of sanctions and the more frequent use of the parent-component, of the Schools' Governing Body, in discipline. A more pro-active stance on the part of the DOE in assisting educators, in disciplinary measures, at grass-root level was recommended. The study also recommended further research into discipline and disciplinary measures at secondary schools.
The exclusion of children with visual impairment from early childhood development provisioning in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2014) Naidoo, Belina.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
There is global recognition of the significance of Early Childhood Development (ECD). South Africa’s commitment to ECD was evident in 2004 when the Office of the Premier declared ECD a national priority and directed municipalities to include ECD planning in their Integrated Development Plans. In 2005, the government published the National Integrated Plan (NIP) for ECD in South Africa: 2005 - 2010, further demonstrating the government’s commitment toward providing a solid foundation for the holistic development of children. The researcher noted however that despite these policy developments, there was still a gap in direct ECD services for children with visual impairments. The aim of this research study therefore was to determine the level of exclusion in the provisioning of ECD services for children with visual impairment by exploring the experiences of parents, service providers and foundation phase educators at special schools regarding ECD provisioning in KZN. The research was conducted using qualitative methodologies. Descriptive, thematic data was gathered through focus group discussions with Social Workers and semi-structured interviews with parents of children with visual impairment and foundation phase educators at schools for the blind. The findings yielded four central themes: insufficient information and support, service unavailability, inadequate specialist training and limited resources. These themes revealed that, despite ECD being declared a national priority, the exclusion of children with visual impairment from the government’s ECD provisioning was evident. The recommendations from this study primarily addressed the government revisiting its structures and policies to ensure the inclusion of children with visual impairment in ECD programmes and secondly to NGO service providers to promote awareness of available resources and support for parents of visually impaired children. Further research is necessary to expand on the findings of this study to include all provinces of South Africa, and develop, implement and evaluate the ECD protocol for children with visual impairment.
Experiences of patients on haemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in end stage renal disease : an exploratory study at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Harilall, Bharita.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
This study looked into paients’ experiences of end stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal replacement therapy (RRT). A qualitative me thodology was employed involving fifteen patients between the ages of 20 – 60 years that were interviewed on their experiences using the semi structured approach to interviewing. The knowledge gained was analysed thematically. The study was explored within two theoretical frameworks, namely the biopsychosocial and the ecological models. Results of the study revealed that ESRD and RRT posed many psychosocial challenges at a micro and macro level, as patients attempted to reconcil e these experiences with their lifestyles and lives. Challenges were expressed in the areas of functional capacity, work and sexuality. Family life was seriously affected when patients had to make themselves available for life long tr eatment that depended on machines. Recommendations included mobilisatio n of positive support networks, religion/spirituality, and pr ofessional support playing an interrelational role in enabling patients to cope through the long term process so that they may emerge from it with a modicum of quality in their life. Thus a team approach was key to optimal living for the patient. From an ecological perspective, macrosystemic change was also considered important for government to introduce policies that ensure economically productive living for persons with kidney dysfunction.
Exploring how African employees access workplace counselling in South Africa.
(2014) Dookran, Jaymathie.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
This study explores the role that traditional beliefs and practices play in influencing African clients‟ decisions towards accessing mainstream Western counselling, and determines how these beliefs and practises manifest in a counselling relationship. It also explores how Western based counselling manages these concerns. Despite the increased attention that multicultural counselling and indigenous healing modalities have received in the international literature over the past decades, this research area is still considered to be in its infancy in South Africa. Effectively counselling cultural minority clients remains a controversial issue worldwide. Until recently, there have been indications that mainstream available counselling services in South Africa have been described as irrelevant to the needs of the majority of African clients in this country and forms the subject of this study. This study researched the views of a few groups of African workers, residing in the KwaZulu-Natal province to explore their counselling help seeking behaviours. The study used qualitative methodology, specifically an exploratory design conducting four focus groups. The first focus group constituted the pilot study and informed changes to the data collection process. The findings indicated that the African worldview, entrenched in deep cultural values and beliefs, played a pivotal role in defining and labelling the social problems of African clients. There was a clear distinction between the way counselling was managed from a Western perspective (talking therapy) and that of traditional methods (ritualistic, spiritual, ancestral). Prejudices and ignorance of traditional forms of healing created mistrust and miscommunication between Western counsellors and African clients. To counteract these biases, the recommendations of this study suggest that South African counsellors need to work in a counselling modality that makes provision for recognizing and appreciating a client‟s cultural identity and worldview, with specific recommendations thereof featuring in the final chapter of this report.
Exploring the narratives of women with HIV/AIDS in a designated health setting.
(2011) Ngcobo, Nolwazi Pearl.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
This research study explored the experiences of HIV positive women with particular reference to their challenges, coping and survival strategies after an HIV positive diagnosis. A review of literature revealed that research on the lived experiences of South African women with HIV/AIDS is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the narratives of women with HIV/AIDS in a designated health-care setting in KZN. Social constructionism and ecosystems approaches were adopted as guiding frameworks for the study. Fifteen HIV positive women were sampled using, purposive and availability sampling. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The pertinent themes were identified and analyzed accordingly. Some HIV positive women experienced challenges in dealing with their HIV diagnosis which ranged from being stigmatized, rejected, or socially isolated, while some received support and acceptance from their environment. The life prolonging effect of ART has allowed HIV infected women to implement coping and survival strategies in order to reduce HIV/AIDS fatigue. Immersion in spirituality and 'reaching out' were some of the survival strategies adopted by HIV infected women in this study. Micro, Mezzo, and Macro recommendations were made with regard to provision of appropriate services for HIV positive women. The study may be of value to service providers as it may enlighten them on the various experiences (whether challenging, positive, or adaptive) of women with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, HIV positive women may benefit from knowing that they are not alone in this fight against the dreaded disease.
Facing HIV and AIDS : understanding family support within a rural KwaZulu-Natal community.
(2013) Beattie, Kim Joanne.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
This study on, ‘Facing HIV and AIDS: Understanding family support within a rural Kwazulu-Natal community’ aimed to explore how an HIV/AIDS diagnosis affects the family as a whole and to determine the role of the family as a primary support system. Although HIV and AIDS infects individuals, it also affects entire families. The researcher employed a qualitative research design to gain in-depth and rich data, and to hear the stories of all participants. The study is grounded in the systems theory and the risk and resilience theory framework. For purposes of clarity, much of the work was divided into the different levels of the systems theory. Risk and resilience aspects were identified in relation to the various themes. It was necessary to explore this topic, not only from the perspective of individuals living with HIV and AIDS, but also from the perspective of their family and community. Three sets of data were therefore utilised: interviews with individuals living with HIV and AIDS, interviews with family members of an individual living with HIV and AIDS, and a once-off focus group discussion to gain the perspective of community members. This helped to ensure sample and instrument triangulation. The type and amount of support that was offered affected the stigma experienced; and affected individual fears and goals, willingness to disclose and the utilisation of available services in the community. It was clear that receiving support reciprocally affected individuals, family and the community. The experience of not being supported resulted in aspects of risk – for example, being more vulnerable in the face of stigma and discrimination. The importance of family support was thus found to be vital in facing the HIV and AIDS journey with resilience. Recommendations are provided at micro, mezzo and macro levels. This study also hopes to assist service providers to provide the necessary services.
Families' protection of young children from sexual abuse in Kwanzimakwe.
(2012) Liggett, Maria.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The research study described and explored families’ protection of children from sexual abuse as perceived and experienced by families and community leaders in KwaNzimakwe, KwaZulu-Natal. A social construction and ecosystems perspective was utilised in order to understand the effects of perceptions and socio-cultural factors. The tribal area of KwaNzimakwe provided a context for the study to investigate socio-cultural factors that increase vulnerability among children in post apartheid South Africa. Limited empirical data was however found in relation to locally relevant factors pertinent to families’ protection of children from sexual abuse. The perspective of families and the community was ascertained through the use of qualitative methods of data collection. Ten individual interviews were conducted with family members who had past experiences of child sexual abuse and five focus group discussions were carried out with parents and community leaders. The research revealed misconceptions in relation to child sexual abuse with regards to (1) the definition (2) detection (3) awareness of potential risks. Child sexual abuse was found to be a hidden issue as families protect their name and the community perceive it to be a private matter. The study also showed that families do not report cases of child sexual abuse due to mistrust in the child protection system. Other main findings were that insufficiencies in the child protection system and stigma in the community have detrimental effects on families and victims. The absence of men in families and the absence of adults in the lives of children were found to significantly weaken families’ protection of children from sexual abuse. The study attributed this to factors such as poverty, gender roles and perceptions of men. The study recommends further research on the topic and prevention programmes in South Africa with particular reference to strengthening families and community based approaches.
An investigation into services offered for children at street shelters in the Durban and surrounding areas.
(2013) Nair, Woolagavathie.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The study was motivated by a dearth in qualitative research on shelters. Moreover, the complex nature of the phenomenon of street shelters appeared to present challenges for researchers, policy makers as well as service providers in arriving at a shared understanding of the causes and symptoms and possible responses to addressing the needs of street children. This study focused on shelter services to street children. Three Shelters registered with the Department of Social Development participated in the study. The researcher used semi-structured interviews as a primary source of information in conjunction with other relevant available sources of material to gather information from service providers. The investigation was undertaken over two cycles. The initial investigation was carried out prior the passing of the Children’s Act No 38 of 2007 and the follow up investigation was conducted three years into implementation. The aim of the study was to explore the nature and extent of programmes offered to street children prior and post implementation of the Children’s Act. The investigations revealed that although shelters initially gained legal recognition through the registration process, they were not recognized in the same light as other child care and protection services and were discriminated against, directly as a result of exclusion from relevant policy. The passing of the Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005 signalled hope for shelter services. It set in motion a paradigm shift in the manner in which shelters operate and function and signals partnerships and co-operation between the state and non-government sector. However, the findings revealed that three years into implementation, the Children’s Act No 38 of 2007 has not yielded much progress in shelter services. This research draws attention to the prevailing gaps in services as well as the purposeful implementation of policy towards meaningful interventions to street children. It is hoped that the findings will influence purposeful engagements between the Shelters and the Department of Social Development in addressing identified gaps.
Living in a children's home and living in foster care : hearing the voices of children and their caregivers.
(2007) Perumal, Nevashnee.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
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.
Marriage in contemporary Zulu society: implications for couple counselling.
(2015) Haselau, Catherine Mary.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.; Simpson, Barbara.
Most Western therapeutic methods are based on the Western world view and are very individualistic, and may therefore not be appropriate for social work practice with African clients. This study focused specifically on marriage counselling. It aimed to explore the meaning of marriage among Zulu couples, elders and social workers with a view to recommending guidelines for marriage therapy with Zulu clients. The research study was qualitative in nature and was guided by social construction theory. In social construction theory the social practices that people engage in to interact with each other influence the meaning that is ascribed, and how the world is viewed and understood. Thus social interaction within any culture determines how a person perceives reality, and this influences one’s world view. As a result people with different world views will have a very different of understanding. The study explored the beliefs, values, traditions and practices of marriage in contemporary Zulu society, and examined the resulting implications for marriage counselling in order to develop best practice guidelines. The study took place in two phases. In the first phase twelve couples who defined themselves as Zulu, nine Zulu family elders who had given relationship advice to their family members, and ten Zulu social workers who worked with couples and families in the community were sourced using snow ball sampling. They were interviewed in depth about their experiences, beliefs and values of being married as Zulu people. Thematic and discourse analysis generated four main themes that were of significance in Zulu marriages: belonging, respect or hlonipha, spirituality and ubuntu. Each of these themes was interlinked with each other and generated a number of sub themes. In the second phase these results were discussed with the Durban and with the Pietermaritzburg FAMSA (the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa) social workers who specialise in marriage counselling. The feedback received added to the trustworthiness of the study and also facilitated an exploration of the implications for marriage counselling. The FAMSA social workers challenged the judgemental aspects of traditional helping and stressed that the social worker needs to rather facilitate change. As social workers therefore, we need to be familiar with both traditional African world views and values, and to appreciate how these values may be used in practice. Best practice guidelines were thus developed to include these traditional Zulu values.
Pastoral development training in contextual and narrative family therapy.
(2009) den Hollander, Weltje Annigje.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The need for a family therapeutic counselling programme in the management of HIV/AIDS was established by the researcher in 2001 (den Hollander 2001). The focus of this study was to develop the training programme model in family therapeutic counselling for church leaders and lay counsellors. This was accomplished using a variety of samples and research instruments, by firstly exploring the issues and problems facing people and families living with HIV/AIDS and then how best churches could respond as faith-based community organizations. At a theoretical level, this study sought to compare the paradigms of contextual and narrative family therapy with the theory and practice of social work and practical narrative theology, in order to integrate these paradigms into an incorporated response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The main research methodology was the Intervention Research Model as adapted from De Vos (2001). This model consists of six phases, consisting of problem analysis and project planning, information gathering and synthesis, design, early development and pilot testing, evaluation and advanced development, and dissemination of the training model. During the analysis phase an extensive literature research, as well as several field studies, both quantitative and qualitative were conducted. During the development phase, three pilot studies were designed and performed, in attempt to accommodate the context specific problems of different families and communities. The results of these two phases indicated a need for pastoral training in family therapeutic counselling, specifically in the areas of mental health, trauma and bereavement and child participation. Importantly, the need to intervene meaningfully to alleviate structural problems such as poverty and food insecurity were clearly indicated, with the study recommendation being for active networking across all stakeholders so that therapeutic counselling may work in tandem with these community based efforts. Recommendations in respect of offering such training are to provide a comprehensive structure of training, supervision and counselling practice.
Perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users.
Mhangwa, Talent Hazvineyi.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.; Mathe, Sibonsile.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease and it needs effective long term treatment for one to overcome the habit. The road to recovery is a strenuous effort. This is because biological, psychological, social and spiritual dynamics all contribute to the complete recovery of a drug addict. It is important that aftercare programmes take cognizance of these factors in assisting female recovering drug users to reintegrate well into society following a period of treatment. Very few studies have been conducted in South Africa to explore the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users, thus there is a gap in knowledge in that area. This study therefore aimed to add to the body of knowledge in the area through investigating the perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users. The study focused on the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of female recovering drug users’ recovery and provides insight on the perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and the biopsychosocial-spiritual model was used to understand addiction and recovery better. Data collection was conducted at a well-established treatment centre in Gauteng through individual interviews with six female recovering drug users and a focus group discussion with five social workers. Results of the study show that both female recovering drug users and social workers who participated in the study perceived aftercare programmes as effective and helpful. Aftercare assisted the female recovering drug users in biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of their lives leading to a different lifestyle from the one during addiction. There were however some challenges faced during aftercare and participants also suggested some improvements needed for aftercare.
Psychosocial, religious, and traditional framework for intervention in addressing challenges faced by adoptive families in developing countries : the case of Lesotho.
Thabane, Botsoa Sophia.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
Parenting quality is the single most important determinant of social and psychological wellbeing in humans. In the case of Lesotho, however, parenting can be undermined by a range of undesirable circumstances including orphaning; abandonment; and poor biological and adoptive parenting skills. While significant effort has been applied by the relevant government department to improve child welfare and protection services in Lesotho, more can still be done. The aim of this research was to understand the nature of challenges that may undermine adoptive parenting with the intention of promulgating measures to circumvent such challenges with specific reference to Lesotho. To achieve the above mentioned aim, data was collected from two samples (adoptive parents and child protection professionals) in Lesotho in 2014. The data was then analysed qualitatively to arrive at the conclusions. Three main findings emerged in the study: 1. Adoptive parents adopt on account of infertility; to mix their children’s sex; and as acts of goodwill. 2. More can be done to improve pre-adoption assessment; and 3. More can be done to improve post-adoption support. Against these main findings recommendations put forth include a pre-adoption assessment questionnaire; pre-adoption parenting training guidelines; parenting journal; as well as individualised video-aided post-adoption capacity building and parenting support.
School social work service delivery : models for future practice.
(1993) Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.; Ramphal, Ritha.; Mason, Jean Beatrice.
The focus of this study was to develop an indigenous, relevant model of school social work for future practice in South Africa. This was accomplished by surveying policies governing school social work services, researching the nature and severity of problems experienced in schools, examining the scope of current school social work in addressing these problems/needs and finally producing a model on which future school social work practice could be based. The research methodology was chosen on the basis of progressing beyond the acquisition of knowledge, to application of this knowledge to the practice of school social work. The developmental research design as discussed by Thomas (1985a:488; 1985b:50) was viewed as serving the purposes of the study. In accord with this design, the study was divided into several phases - the analysis, development and evaluation phases. Two further phases are outlined by Thomas (1985a), viz. the diffusion and adoption phases, which would follow once the developed social technology has been further field tested and the results disseminated for adoption. During the analysis phase, current policies and school social work services in the various departments of education were examined. Problems in different schools in these department were also surveyed to gauge the effectiveness of services in dealing with these problems. Results revealed that current school social work practice and policies do not meet the needs of schools. During the development phase, a changed emphasis in service provision was advocated through the adoption of service methods to complement a casework focus. In this regard, community school, school change and social interaction functions were advocated. An ecological model, derived from ecological and systems theories, was recommended as offering scope for a changed emphasis to ensure that services were comprehensive and relevant. This emphasis focused on achieving a goodness of fit between the individual and the environment by intervening at different systemic levels, depending on where deficits or dysfunction existed. Thereby, intervention could be directed at micro, mezzo, exo or macro systemic levels. In a feasibility study, conducted during the analysis phase of the study, this model was found to be appropriate and practical for future use. If school social workers practise an ecological model, then their services would be cost effective since both a preventive and therapeutic bias would be accommodated. Children would also be assured of support services that prevent problems, that facilitate the role of the educator in comprehensive education and that intervene timeously in respect of problems and needs. Recommendations in respect of accommodating a changed focus of intervention included changes in policies to promote the use of the ecological model, the education and training of social workers in acquiring knowledge and skills congruent with the use of an ecological paradigm, training of educationists to include knowledge of the service to facilitate teamwork and referral, preliminary tasks to be undertaken prior to service provision, a unitary education department to serve all children equally irrespective of colour or creed, and research to be undertaken with education personnel as a joint endeavour to encourage the establishment of the service.
Social exclusion among students with visual impairments at UKZN Edgewood and Howard College campuses.
(2011) Subrayen, Roshanthni.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
Title: Social exclusion amongst students with visual impairments at UKZN Howard College and Edgewood Campuses. This research used a qualitative study exploring thick descriptions, inside voices and perspectives of “otherization”, powerlessness and voiceless-ness resulting from social exclusionary processes perpetuated by social and university structures and poverty. Convenience sampling was used. Semi structured individual interviews and focus group discussions were used to explore the key research questions focusing on social and university challenges experienced by students with visual impairments at UKZN in their social and university environments. The data was interpreted through The Anti Oppressive Approach (Dominelli, 2002) which gave support to understanding how continuing to ignore marginalized persons with visual impairments out of mainstream systems of development, perpetuated “othering”, powerlessness and voiceless-ness. This study provided evidence of the multi dimensional and multi structural nature of the social exclusionary process with key focus on abuse of power by dominant groups (sighted persons), violation of human rights and visual impairment as confinement as experienced by students with visual impairments either in their social or university environments or both. In addition, this theory looked at the manner in which dominant or superior groups arrange resources around them to benefit them and exclude persons with disabilities. This research also gave a voice to women with visual impairments being oppressed by sighted women as well as poverty as a social exclusionary process. Keywords: Anti Oppressive Theory, Visual Impairments, Social Exclusion
The social work profession in South Africa : Quo Vadis?
(2004) Naidoo, Samantha.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The overall aim of this study was to research the status of social work in South Africa by examining what factors contribute towards social workers in South Africa leaving their country to seek employment in the UK. Further, current frustrations, problems and needs of social workers in South Africa and those working in the UK were investigated. The benefit of the study therefore was to evaluate the status of the social work profession at present, and to expand future professional services. The study utilised both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research was undertaken in two phases utilising three different sample groups. The two phases were: (1) Phase One - in which the researcher quantitatively researched social workers frustrations, problems and needs in South Africa and (2) Phase Two - in which the researcher qualitatively explored the difficulties, experiences and accomplishments of South African social workers who have relocated to the UK. In sample group 1 in Phase One of the study, eighty social workers who had applied to work in the UK were selected. While, in sample group 2, in Phase One of the study, eighty social workers who were remaining in South Africa, were randomly selected. In sample group 3, in Phase Two of the study, thirty social workers were derived from the social work relocation list of a known Recruitment Agency. The research tool was a mailed questionnaire for the two sample groups in Phase One of the study. Reasons to relocate or remain were asked of both sample groups, along with their suggestions for improving the image of social work in South Africa and contributing to its survival. In Phase Two of the study the researcher chose the qualitative method of data collection, namely focus group interviews. Within the focus group interviews social workers in the UK were able to share their experiences of relocation. Focus group thematic questions guided the group discussions to generate a rich understanding of the social workers' experiences and beliefs. In this study, research evidence was provided on the concerns plaguing the profession such as safety and security, service conditions, poor salaries, staff turnover, lack of supervision and support from agencies, ineffective graduates/educators, curriculum change, and continuing education. Alongside this research results also indicated that culture, family, social ties and climate were significant factors preventing social workers from leaving the country. Recommendations were made by social workers to improve the image of social work as a way of contributing to its survival. These recommendations included a unifying role to be played by the Council of Social Service Professions to tackle cogent issues such as service conditions; staff development/training in accord with the need for continuous professional development; relevancy of training curricula to the new developmental paradigm; competent educators; research, and using auxiliary workers in service delivery. These recommendations need to be incorporated into policy/plans set up to address relevancy, image and survival issues facing the profession. Other general recommendations for the profession to survive, was the need for a partnership to be established between employers, workers and educators working together to create new supportive structures and develop knowledge and skills on an on-going basis. A further component to consider in addressing the exodus of social workers was for policy-makers, employers, educators and the South African Council of Social Service Professions (SACSSP) to prevent any further under-valuing of the profession and its practitioners. Social workers need to be presented as valued and crucial role players in our newly developed democracy.
A study of the dating and sexual challenges faced by HIV positive people.
(2012) Mulqueeny, Delarise Maud.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
Dating and sexual relations are basic processes in the lives of most human beings. However, dating and sexual relationships in HIV positive peoples’ lives are fraught with challenges. Limited knowledge of these challenges is recorded. Studies focusing on the challenges of serodiscordance, ARVS, adherence, side effects of ARVS, condoms, reproduction, disclosure and stigma are plentiful, however studies addressing dating and sexual challenges of HIV positive people are sadly lacking. The study described and explored the dating and sexual challenges faced by HIV infected people. The systems and ecosystems approach provided the theoretical framework for the study. A descriptive and exploratory design was chosen for this study. Purposive and snowball sampling was utilised to access respondents for this study. Data was collected qualitatively, using semi-structured interviews with 12 HIV positive respondents. The interviewed lasted between 1 to 2 hours. This study found that People living with HIV (PLHIV) experience many challenges in their dating and sexual lives. The challenges varied amongst the respondents. The challenges were divided into the following themes: disclosure; stigma; rejection and discrimination; dating options to pursue; serosorting or abstaining; guilt; anger; blame; social disconnection; negative self esteem and fear; physical, medical and psychological factors; impact of ARVS; sexual changes/sexual dysfunction; reproduction; community/society; the media; counselling, awareness and education about dating and sexual relationships; government and the consequences of relationships ending. The study encouraged further research on the topic.