Social workers' experiences, challenges and solutions in preventing the recurrence of children living on and off the streets in the City of Tshwane, Pretoria

Abstract

Emerging from this study in social development planning and execution of social cluster services, a critical segment representing children living on and off the streets does not catch the eye of the role players, such as the Department of Social Development, especially those in places of authority with a level of influence to respond appropriately to the situation. The researcher identified a gap, believing that it has a bearing on CYCC social workers who are on the frontline in efforts to administer professional services to prevent the problem from recurring. This research was conducted in the City of Tshwane, Pretoria, Gauteng Province. The researcher has applied contextual qualitative research methodology and approaches in exploring social workers’ experiences, challenges, and solutions in preventing the recurrence of children living on and off the streets. As an important component of the research methodology, sampling methods used include probability and non-probability to ensure accuracy in selecting the targeted participants given the study population. Subsequently, the data collection methods used is the semi-structured one-to-one interviews with questions which helped gain more concise and detailed picture of each participant’s beliefs about the theme of the study. As for the data analysis and interpretation, the process followed includes arrangement of interview notes through transcription to allow critical review and coding process. Recurring themes were identified and to facilitate easy analysis, subthemes, categories and subcategories were considered. To ascertain reliability and credibility, data verification was done by arranging debriefing sessions with the participants which allowed the researcher to verify the information given in the interviews. The researcher also gave the final draft of her research to a CYCC social worker colleague to read the work for the feedback. To adhere to research ethical standard, before interviews, each participant was given a consent form which was explained before the signing. Examples drawn from the findings indicate that with constant and close collaboration between the Department of Social Development and designated social workers, the police, the Children’s Court, CYCC social workers, and the South African Council for Social Service Professions, they can leverage each other’s strengths and capacities to create an ecosystem that will fast track an agenda of improved prevention service delivery to children living on and off the streets.