Maatskaplike werkers se assessering van seksueel gemolesteerde kinders in hul middelkinderjare

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The purpose of the research for this assignment was to establish and provide guidelines aswell as techniques according to which social workers, who are involved in family welfareorganisations, will be able not only to assess molested children in their middle childhood,but also to plan and introduce the required intervention. To achieve the aforementioned,use was made of a literature survey in terms of which all aspects of sexual molestationthat need to be considered whilst handling molested children as well as the phases andprocesses of assessing such molestations, are discussed. Techniques are also proposedaccording to which such assessments could be performed. Following this study theempirical research was utilised by means of exploratory and descriptive studies. Toobtain the required information, data was collected by means of a postal (mail)questionnaire containing quantitative as well as qualitative questions.This research has shown that social workers do not regard themselves as adequatelyequipped in handling cases involving sexually molested children. Their (social workers)knowledge and skills in terms of the areas relating to service delivery came across asbeing poor. The respondents agreed that the shortage of resources restricted the referralof these cases. This results in social workers having to treat such cases themselves. It isapparent that knowledge regarding the handling of molested children is mostly gained bypractical experience. Assessments are often carried out without the required theoreticalbackground. This contributes to findings and actions taken not always beingscientifically substantiated, resulting in a lack of professional conduct.The study also shows that the training and conduct of social workers, especially as itrelates to the assessing of sexually molested children which could lead to statutory actionin terms of the Children's Status Act 82 of 1987 (as amended) as well as the SexualOffences Act 23 of 1957, are lacking. No clear guidelines and policy are stipulated inthis instance by the family welfare organisations.Based on the findings of this research the deduction is made that social workers, despitethe statutory obligation they have towards a sexually molested child, do not possess thenecessary skills or are not equipped with the competence required to execute the task onhand. In this regard social workers have a significant need to learn and be given therequired competence, as organisations and tertiary institutions currently do not equipthem adequately or effectively.Recommendations relative to the assessment of sexually molested children have beenmade to tertiary institutions, organisations and social workers. Opportunities for furtherresearch are also indicated.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University