Dissertations / Theses: 'Forensic social worker'

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Smith, Sufran. "Die forensiese maatskaplike werker as deskundige getuie in die hof / Sufran Smith." Thesis, North-West University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/2131.

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Fouche, Ansie. "Facilitating disclosure of child sexual abuse victims in the middle childhood : a forensic interview protocol for social workers." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/27139.

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This study focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of a research-based legally defensible forensic interview protocol for social workers in South Africa in order to improve the social worker's knowledge, understanding and skills regarding forensic assessment interviews in the field of child sexual abuse. The motivation for the study has its origin in the fact that current legislation in South Africa requires that all cases of alleged sexual abuse have to be reported to either social workers or the South African Police Service. Social workers often find themselves having to deal with allegations of sexual abuse, and are faced with the challenging task of conducting assessment interviews, where the result of such interview will be a determining factor in the final outcome of the legal proceedings. The research problem is that there is currently no national research-based forensic interview protocol for social workers in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was followed. Applied research was used to address immediate problems that are encountered by professionals in practice. Intervention research was used as research methodology. The quasi-experimental design was applied where a comparison of two groups were done. The hypothesis formulated for this study is: If this interview protocol will be applied in cases of alleged sexual abuse against children of the middle childhood, it would facilitate the disclosure in a more legally acceptable and defensible manner. An interview protocol with seven definite phases was developed. A self-developed checklist consisting of 119 fundamentals compiled from comprehensive literature study, consultations with experts and extensive experience of the researcher, was used as a measuring instrument. The researcher applied the newly developed interview protocol with ten girls (experimental group) in the middle childhood who have allegedly been sexually abused. The interviews were audio-recorded and evaluated by means of the self-developed checklist. An independent social worker also interviewed ten allegedly sexually abused children (comparison group) of the same age and gender as the experimental group. This social worker, however, made use of her own interview protocol. She represents the social workers in South Africa. The interviews were also audio-recorded and evaluated by means of the self-developed checklist. An independent professional person coded a sample of 50% of all interviews. All data were submitted to the Department Statistics of University of Pretoria who has done the statistical analysis. In chapter two the phenomenon of child sexual abuse is discussed and aspects that interviewers need to take in consideration were highlighted. In chapter three all aspects of child development are discussed. Developmental issues which need to be accommodated during forensic interviews are explored. Chapter four focuses on interview techniques in the forensic context, and international guidelines on forensic interviews were explored. This information was used to develop the proposed forensic interview protocol. In chapter five the proposed seven-phase forensic interview protocol was discussed. In chapter six all the data that was collected was quantified, analysed and interpreted with the assistance of the Department of Statistics of the University of Pretoria. The statistical analysis showed that in five of the seven phases a statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and comparison groups. The results suggest that the seven-phase forensic interview protocol was successfully implemented, and could be considered a new development and thus a contribution to the social work profession. However further research with a larger sample of children is needed. Conclusions and recommendations (chapter 7) of this study are put forward in accordance with the process that was followed in developing and implementing the interview protocol which would assist social workers when dealing with alleged victims of child sexual abuse. Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2007. Social Work and Criminology unrestricted

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Meüter, Charmaine Elmien. "Leemtes in die assessering van die seksueel misbruikte kind deur die forensiese maatskaplike werker / Charmaine Elmien Meüter." Thesis, North-West University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8090.

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The demand for forensic social work as a specialist field is increasing rapidly, due to the increasing moral decline of the community and consequent higher demands set to generic social workers. Amendments to existing acts as well as the development of new legislation, lead to more opportunity for the prosecution of the perpetrator, and therefore a higher utilization of the forensic social worker. A need was experienced to do research regarding the gaps experienced by social workers or any other workers who are currently executing forensic assessments with the sexually traumatised child. The aim of the investigation was to determine which gaps social workers experience in the field when assessing a child forensically. A recording procedure was used to obtain qualitative as well as quantitative data. A purposive sampling was used were interviews were held with five participants to obtain the data. A selfdeveloped questionnaire was used as measuring instrument. It is clear from the findings that there are definite gaps within the field of forensic social work and the need of further research within the field of forensic social work in South Africa is highlighted. Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

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De, Jongh Filicia Shirley Helen. "Die rol van forensiese maatskaplike werkers ten opsigte van seksuele misbruik van babas in die Boland / Filicia Shirley Helen de Jongh." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/8669.

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For years social workers have been involved in the investigation of child abuse cases, which includes the sexual abuse of children. The forensic social worker primarily engages with the investigation of child sexual abuse allegations and their involvement begins when a criminal case of alleged child sexual abuse is registered with the police. The core function of forensic social workers is to objectively assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the judicial system during the investigation of crimes against children, which includes cases of alleged sexual abuse of babies. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the forensic social worker in cases of sexual abuse of babies in the Boland. A qualitative research procedure was followed and data was gathered through in-depth interviews with three state prosecutors working in regional courts in Worcester, Ceres and Paarl. In-depth interviews were also conducted with three SAPS forensic social workers in these areas. The results of the investigation were summarised according to certain themes. The results of the study indicate that the successful prosecution and conviction of offenders of the sexual abuse of babies are limited, because a baby is unable to deliver testimony. The crucial role of the qualified forensic social worker in the investigation of these cases was highlighted in the study. The participants found the thorough investigation of collateral sources and the interpretation of information gathered by forensic social workers of great value. As an expert witness the forensic social worker can therefore play a prominent role in the conviction of offenders of sexual abuse of babies. Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

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De, Koker Charlene. "Die effek van 'n kind se seksuele misbruik op die nie–beskuldigde ouer/voog se psigo–sosiale funksionering / Charlene de Koker." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4721.

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The aim of the research was to study the effect of child sexual abuse on the non–accused parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning. To reach this aim, the following objectives were set: * Objective 1: To establish the non–accused's reaction to disclosure of sexual abuse of their child. * Objective 2: To investigate the extent in which the parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning was influenced by the disclosure of the sexual abuse. * Objective 3: To research the influence the disclosure of the sexual abuse had on the relationship between the child involved and the parent/guardian. * Objective 4: To investigate the outcome of the cases following the disclosure of the sexual abuse and to determine whether actions had been taken against the alleged perpetrators and whether they were at all legally prosecuted. The research was primarily based on in–depth interviews with the non–accused parents from the case loads of a welfare organisation in Randfontein. The results of the research were reported on, based on main themes and sub–themes linked to the four objectives. Regarding theme one (1), it was found that the majority of non–accused parents/guardians reacted exceptionally negatively following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced extremely negative emotions. Theme two's (2) information was also obtained through the self–designed questionnaire. The effect of the disclosure on the non–accused parents/guardians' psycho–social functioning was studied. It was found that their psychological, emotional, financial and physical functioning was negatively affected. Theme three's (3) information was also obtained by means of the self–designed questionnaire. The relationship and bond between the child involved and the non–accused parent/guardian was investigated. It was found that the relationships between the children involved and the parents/guardians were negatively affected following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced feelings of rejection, anger, anxiety and depression. Theme four's(4) was also obtained via self–designed questionnaires. The outcome of the disclosure was investigated. It was established that the caring situations of the children involved following the disclosure had not been significantly affected. Furthermore, it was found that the non–accused parents/guardians had not taken sufficient legal steps and that the alleged perpetrators had not been legally prosecuted in all the cases. In summary it can be stated that this research has proven that the child's sexual abuse has a negative effect on the psycho–social functioning on the non–accused parent/guardian's functioning. Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Lewis, Susan D. "Treatment issues in forensic social work : a comparative case study." Thesis, McGill University, 2002. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=78187.

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Forensic social work is defined as the specialty that focuses on the interface between the legal system and the human service system. Forensic psychiatric social work is a subspecialty of forensic social work. Treatment issues arise in forensic social work due to the nature of working within the two systems, but some are specific to forensic psychiatric social work due to the nature of balancing the needs of the patient with the protection of society. Issues that are relevant to forensic psychiatric social work are, applying psychosocial rehabilitation strategies in a forensic setting, the paradox of custody vs. caring, issues surrounding confidentiality and the use of authority, bargaining and persuasion as tools for social work practice. The author identified these issues as each of them was raised during a specific case that the author was actively involved with. The focus of the study is to explore the issues by discussing them in relation to this case. The literature is reviewed and suggestions are made as to how the management of the case could have been improved. Recommendations are also made for the field of social work, specifically in the field of forensic psychiatry.

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Consolati, Amy Lee. "American forensic social workers' knowledge of and skepticism toward dissociative identity disorder." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2005. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2910.

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The purpose of this study was to examine forensic social workers' levels of knowledge about skepticism toward Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in light of the controversy that surrounds the diagnosis. Relationships between demographic and professional practice variables and workers' levels of knowledge and skepticism were analyzed to assess the possible etiology of skepticism toward DID.

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Laird, Jess. "Understanding Implicit Bias in Public Defender Social Workers." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/889.

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Research has demonstrated that implicit bias is an inescapable part of the human experience that can have harmful repercussions. Its effects can be seen particularly in the criminal justice system where those of marginalized groups are disproportionately represented. Social workers in the public defender’s office representing indigent clients in the criminal justice system, implicit bias can negatively impact client outcomes or service access. This study sought to explore how these social workers understand implicit bias in their work and will be conducted using qualitative analysis through the use of interviews and document review. This research found that social workers in this setting identify in ways that are very different from their clients and view the resulting implicit bias as an important hurdle to overcome. Social workers reported that working with clients who are similar to them can increase rapport but also introduce issues of countertransference. When working with clients who are different from them, social workers found it most challenging to serve clients with worldviews they found personally offensive, such as homophobia or white supremacy. Social workers of more privileged identities found ways to leverage this advantage to best serve their clients. The participants in this study had mixed feelings on whether or not differences in identity between social workers and clients increase implicit bias or impact client outcomes. There are many larger factors that increase the risk of implicit bias, which participants feel can be mitigated with training and more diverse teams.

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Jonkers, Geraldine. "Roles and responsibilities of forensic social workers in the family violence sexual offences unit." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9072.

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South Africa, notwithstanding her comprehensive legislation, has disturbingly high figures of child sexual violence. These crimes and the low conviction rates should put any role-player within the field of sexual violence to shame. Concerns are raised that, unless trained professionals deal with child sexual abuse victims, we will fail to protect children from abuse and fail in our quest for justice. The South African police, in its efforts to prioritize crimes against women and children, employed forensic social workers. This article presents the results of an explorative study of the role and responsibilities of the forensic social worker in the SAPS. Data was collected from three groups of participants (forensic social workers, state prosecutors and police investigating officers) according to a mixed method approach. Both qualitative (semi-structured interviews) and quantitative (statistical data) methods were therefore employed. The forensic process is designed to answer a question of relevance to the legal system, which makes the role of the forensic social worker very specific. If roleplayers in the field of child sexual offences, however, are not entirely familiar with what forensic social work entails, it could not only complicate matters for the forensic social workers, but it could also mean that their services are not used optimally and effectively. The findings of the study indicate that forensic social workers make a valuable contribution to the successful investigation of child sexual offences; however, in the absence of adequate continuous trainin training, supervision and consultation, they could fail in providing a proficient service. Thesis (MSW (Forensic Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

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Arroyo, Roberto G. "System Challenges for Bilingual Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7113.

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Little information exists about challenges that bilingual clinical social workers face when engaging individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in forensic settings, which may influence the efficacy of services provided. Bilingual clinical social workers in the U.S. state of South Carolina lack operational guidelines to assist people with LEP who are involved in forensic matters. The purpose of this study was to explore challenges that affect delivery of bilingual clinical social work to people with LEP in forensic settings. Ecological systems theory served as the conceptual framework for this study. Purposive and snowball sampling methods led to the participation of 6 licensed bilingual clinical social workers who met the criterion of experience in the provision of services to people with LEP in forensic settings, either in Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL). Data were collected using semistructured interviews through phone calls and videoconferencing platforms. Interviews were transcribed and reviewed by participants to ensure accuracy. Collected data were organized, processed, and analyzed through thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. Key themes included: financial constraints; low-priority for LEP clients; lack of community support; issues with service access; cross-agency collaborations; and laws, policies, and initiatives. The findings of this study may lead to positive social change by substantiating the importance of additional support for bilingual social workers in the form of education, supervision, and continued training. With support and collaboration, bilingual social workers may be able to enact social change to overcome challenges in the provision of services for LEP individuals.

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Fouché, Ansie. "Facilitating disclosure of child sexual abuse victims in the middle childhood a forensic interview protocol for social workers /." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2007. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-08112008-153723.

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Pamburayi, Sibonisiwe Pertina. "Social Workers' experiences of forensic practice with victims of child sexual abuse in the City of Cape Town." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32539.

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The prevalent rates of sexual crimes against children in South Africa require forensic social work as a specialised field to assist the criminal justice system to respond effectively to victims' essential needs. This need has led to the employment of social workers in forensic units in the South African Police Services (SAPS) as an investigative aid under detective services to enhance service delivery in forensic practices. The initiative materialised through previous collaboration between the National Department of Social Development (DSD), tertiary institutions and the South African Council of Social Service Professions (SACSSP), to deliberate on strategies to curb the alarming rates of crime, violence and other related social problems in South Africa. Instituting specialised forensic practice was the outcome and it provided context of this study. This study explored social workers' experiences of forensic practice with victims of child sexual abuse in the City of Cape Town. Forensic social work is an emerging field of practice that requires tertiary training for social workers who want to practice forensic social work to acquire specialised knowledge and skills to practice competently. The study objectives involved; ● To explore the challenges faced by social workers providing forensic services to victims of child sexual abuse. ● To discover concerns involved in generalist social workers providing forensic services to victims of child sexual abuse. ● To describe the social workers' decision making in their intervention in providing forensic social work services. ● To explore the levels of knowledge and skills of social workers in forensic practice with sexual abuse cases. The study adopted a qualitative research approach where data was collected using a semistructured interview schedule. The non-probability purposive sampling approach was implemented based on the researcher's judgement of the role players relevant to this study. The sample interviewed for this study comprised of twenty social workers handling child sexual abuse cases from government departments and non-governmental organisations in the City of Cape Town to explore their experiences in handling child sexual abuse victims. The data was analysed using Tesch's (1990) eight steps of data analysis. The findings revealed that collaborative partnerships are at the core of the criminal justice system and networking with relevant role-players and stakeholders allow the handling of these complex cases effectively. However, with the challenging nature and risk involved in forensic social work practice, social workers' attrition rates were high in a field already suffering from the scarcity of human resources. Social workers in forensic practice experience various challenges with child victims, the justice system and collaborations with other role-players. All these challenges are seen as contributing factors to the delay of cases and low conviction rates of sexual offences in South Africa. There is a need therefore to improve collaborations among role players handling child sexual abuse cases for effective service delivery.

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Cussons, Maria Jacoba. "The experiences of social workers in the process of investigating child sexual abuse / Maria Jacoba Cussons." Thesis, North-West University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/5336.

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Social workers who are employed by non-governmental organizations have unique experiences. Through training and education, social workers are taught skills on how to remain professional during service delivery, but subjective experiences and the influence remain part of human nature. The purpose of the research was to investigate the experiences of social workers in nongovernmental organizations during investigations of child sexual abuse as well as the influence of these experiences on service delivery. The research followed a qualitative approach. Fifteen registered social workers from NG Welfare in the North West Province participated in this investigation where semi-structured interviews were conducted and notes were taken. The interviews focused on the following themes: -Theme 1: Personal experiences of social workers during child sexual abuse investigations. -Theme 2: The experience of social workers with other professionals during investigations of child sexual abuse. -Theme 3: Limitations social workers experience during child sexual abuse investigations. -Theme 4: Social workers’ experience of objectivity during child sexual abuse investigations. -Theme 5: Social workers’ knowledge and practice experience in child sexual abuse investigations. -Theme 6: Suggestions by social workers to improve the quality of investigations of child sexual abuse cases. The results of the data were divided into subthemes for detailed clarifications and discussions of the respondent’s experiences in order to make useful recommendations. According to the results all the respondents stated that their experiences with regard to child sexual abuse cases do influence their behaviour, decision making and service delivery. Half of the respondents experience good cooperation from other professionals. Limited resources are the biggest limitation for social workers and all the respondents are of the opinion that social workers are unbiased and objective when confronted with child sexual abuse investigations. The majority of the respondents do not think social workers have enough knowledge and practice experience for conducting these investigations and made the following suggestions to improve the process. These suggestions include the following: - Establishing an assessment unit - Employing a forensic social worker - Having a place of safety and or a rehabilitation centre available for children involved in child sexual abuse Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Truter, Elmien. "Language interpreting during the forensic interview : a social work investigation / Elmien Truter." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4941.

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The sexual abuse of children in South–Africa, and across the world, is becoming a daily phenomenon. Such abuse of children takes place in every class, culture and race. Forensic social workers are appointed for sexual abuse cases to assess the alleged victims of sexual abuse in order to determine the likelihood that sexual abuse actually took place. The problem in South–Africa is two–fold: first, only a few social workers are qualified forensic social workers and second, most of the forensic social workers in South–Africa are white females who cannot speak or understand all the 11 official languages of South–Africa. Yet the children who are victims of sexual abuse come from cultures and races where these 11 languages are spoken. This then raises the problem of the language barrier between the forensic social worker and the alleged victim of sexual abuse. The appointment of language interpreters for forensic interviews is evidently the only way to overcome the language barrier. There is a great need for language interpreters as their role is crucial to the forensic process. However, many forensic social workers have experienced serious problems with language interpreters during the forensic interviews and have remarked that the mere presence and behaviour of the language interpreter is often so detrimental to the forensic assessment that they prefer to do without them. The problem of the language barrier remains, however, and the problems of the appointment of the language interpreters have to be addressed to enable forensic social workers to conduct forensic assessments successfully and thereby assist in ensuring justice in such criminal cases. The researcher in this study believes that the communication barrier that exists between the forensic social worker, the alleged victim of sexual abuse and the language interpreter is a crucial issue that requires immediate attention to ensure effective service delivery in the judicial system of South–Africa. The article format was selected in accordance with Regulation A.11.2.5 for a Master’s degree in (Social Work in Forensic Practice). The article complies with the requirements of the Journal CARSA. Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Scheepers, Erika. "Forensiese maatskaplike werk as spesialiteit in maatskaplike werk : definiëring en terrein / Erika Scheepers." Thesis, North-West University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1012.

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Since the inception of Social Work as a profession, the profession has assisted the legal system of South Africa with the evaluating and/or assessment of individuals as part of the legal processes as requested by the legal system. The presumption that a degree in social work qualifies a social worker to assist the court with the above mentioned processes, is misplaced , even amongst the social work professionals themselves. This article focuses on the definition and scope of Forensic Social Work in the South African context. This will assist the SACSSP to establish criteria to register Forensic Social Work as a specialized field in Social Work. Those Social workers who want to render forensic services will need to acquire additional, specific, specialized knowledge, skills and experience regarding this field that is not acquired during pre-graduate studies, and which comply with the requirements of the judicial system. The findings of the study will be discussed with a submission of a definition and clarifying the scope of Forensic Social Work in South-Africa. Thesis (M.A. (Maatskaplike Werk)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

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Nell, Sussarah Maria Elizabeth. "Exploring the experiences of social workers in private practice in care and contact disputes using the best interest of the child standard." University of the Western Cape, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/8351.

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Magister Artium (Child and Family Studies) - MA(CFS) The changing landscape of parental responsibilities and rights, and the protection of children’s rights create an ever-changing phenomenon in social science. Limited research has been conducted regarding social workers in private practice, and in particular, regarding their professional and personal experiences in dealing with care and contact matters, pertaining to the South African Children’s Act 38 of 2005. This study aimed to provide insight and knowledge regarding the roles and experiences of social workers in private practice, particularly of those rendering services in the greater Gauteng area, in family law matters related to care and contact disputes.

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Ludwig, Corrie. "'n Ondersoek na opleidingsgeleenthede vir spesialisasie in forensiese maatskaplike werk / Corrie Ludwig." Thesis, North-West University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1011.

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Forensic social work is a new field in South Africa. Forensic social work is regarded as a speciality, but has not been registered as such by the South African Council for Social Service Professions. There is a growing need to utilize experts in South African courts. Social workers are not trained to provide in this need. Social workers in private practice have recognized this need and equipped themselves to render this service to courts. The South African Police Service employs forensic social workers to assist the Child Protection Units. Despite this there was no formal training available in forensic social work, until recently. This study aims at investigating the availability of forensic training for social workers in order to develop guidelines for forensic training programmes. Universities agree that statutory social work forms part of the duty of every social worker and that training in this regard is needed. They also indicate that existing training does not prepare the social worker for effective services to the courts. It is clear that universities regard forensic social work as a specialised field and do not believe that under-graduate training is realistic. All participating institutions agree that a need exists for post-graduate forensic training. Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

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Jacobs, Catharina Jacoba. "Forensiese maatskaplike werk as spesialiteitsrigting : 'n verkennende studie / C.J. Jacobs." Thesis, North-West University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/3725.

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This study explored the question whether forensic social work meets the requirements set by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) for registration as a specialist field. The requirements are as follows: • It should be an identifiable and definable field in social work. • It should not be a form of intervention. • It should include a distinctive field of social work and not be shared with other professions. • It requires specialized knowledge, skills and experience from the social worker. It has been concluded that forensic social work does indeed meet the requirements for registration and it is recommended that it be registered as such. Thesis (M.A. (MW Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

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Carey, Leslie Sean, and Kathie Sylvies. "Gender and violence: A study of inpatients at a forensic psychiatric hospital." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2000. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/1582.

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"Our society has generally viewed women as less aggressive and less likely to commit acts of violence in comparison to men. Statistics show that only 13 per cent of the violent crimes in the United States have been committed by women (Steffensmeier and Allan, 1996). However, employees at psychiatric hospitals often report problems of increased violent behavior among their female inpatients. This perception of the female inpatient population is further complicated by the mixed research findings regarding gender and violence. Considering the possible other environmental causations, gender alone should not prove an accurate variable in addressing violent behavior. Variables such as age, location, time, ethnicity, institutionalization and violence to self as opposed to violence to others will likely show significant relevance. This study will attempt to demonstrate how these other biopsychosocial variables play a role in violence prediction for this group of forensically committed patients other than gender."

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Iffley, Roché Shandré. "A skills and needs analysis among social workers assessing alleged child sexual abuse in the Western Cape." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9059.

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This study focuses on the skills and needs of forensic social workers, working with alleged child sexual abuse in the Western Cape. Forensic social work is based on specialised knowledge drawn from established principles and their application within proven methodology of training, familiarity with the law, evaluation and objective criteria associated with treatment outcomes. The scope of forensic social work thus includes a specialised skill where human service systems communicate the language in the context of legal systems. This means that the forensic process must withstand critical review and rebuttal from opposing parties in a legal system. It is evident that a forensic social worker needs to have specialised training and specific skills, focusing on forensic investigative interviews, all aspects of child sexual abuse and how the South African justice system operates. Without these skills, the legal process may not be successful and the prevention of child sexual abuse not as successful as it might otherwise be. The general aim of the study was to analyse the skills and needs of social workers assessing allegations of child sexual abuse in order to assist organisations working in the field of forensic social work by improving their support training practices in forensic social work. The researcher used a quantitative descriptive design also known as a survey design. This design usually makes use of a questionnaire as a data collection method and nineteen (19) respondents were selected according to a randomised method of sampling. The findings form part of a list of recommendations to participating welfare organisations. Thesis (MSc (Physiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

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Van, der Schyff Martha Levina. "Aanmeldingsriglyne vir adolessente wat aan seksuele misbruik blootgestel word / Marthie van der Schyff." Thesis, North-West University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4908.

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South African adolescents are at high risk of becoming victims of sexual abuse. However, research and experience by practising social workers show that adolescents are reluctant to report sexual abuse immediately. This could be due to the lack recognised guidelines available by which to report abuse and receive the necessary help. The purpose of the research was to investigate the reasons why adolescents fail to report sexual abuse in order to establish relevant guidelines. This would also determine the role of the forensic social worker in the report of sexual abuse by adolescent victims. The research followed a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. 220 adolescents from two high schools and six Welkom social workers were involved in the investigation. Both groups of participants completed questionnaires while the social workers were also involved in a focus group. Forensic social workers work is a new field of specialisation in the social work profession. There is a serious misconception about the role of the forensic social worker not only among other practising social workers, but also among the general public and adolescents in specific. The forensic social worker can play an important role in establishing guidelines for the report of sexual abuse by adolescent victims. The findings clearly showed that adolescents do not report sexual abuse within the family. The abused adolescent becomes a victim as South Africa does not yet have definite guidelines available for the report of sexual abuse. The study found that the forensic social worker has a definite role to play in the report of sexual abuse by adolescents. Thesis (M.A. (MW Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

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Sturup, Joakim. "En rättspsykiatrisk populationsstudie över tid." Thesis, Stockholm University, Department of Social Work, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-904.

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Uppsatsen syftar till att ge en allmän beskrivning av den grupp som kommer till rättspsykiatrisk undersökning samt att utreda gruppens förändring över en period på sju år. Variabler som behandlas är kön, invandrarbakgrund, diagnos, brott och påföljd. Uppsatsen som är en kvantitativ studie, kan ses som ett inlägg i debatten kring den allvarligt psykiskt störda brottslingen.Uppsatsen är en retrospektiv registerstudie utifrån ett medicinskt kriminologisk perspektiv. Materialet består av 4466 stycken rättspsykiatriska undersökningar mellan åren 1998 och 2004 och inhämtades från Rättsmedicinalverkets centrala arkiv. I resultatet framkommer att personlighetsstörningar i allt mindre utsträckning anses utgöra en allvarlig psykisk störning. Samtidigt blir de allt mindre frekventa som diagnoser inom gruppen. Psykossjukdomar är de diagnoser som i högst utsträckning anses utgöra en allvarlig psykisk störning. Kvinnor bedöms i en klart högre utsträckning än män lida av en allvarlig psykisk störning. Det förekommer ingen skillnad mellan svenskar och invandrare i bedömningen av allvarlig psykisk störning. Dock diagnostiseras invandrare oftare med psykosdiagnoser samt skattas att fungera sämre enligt GAF-skalan. Våldsbrottens andel bland de undersökta har ökat. Dock utgörs det främst av en ökning i hot och misshandel och kan inte påvisas vara relaterat till en ökning i dödligt våld.

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Stander, Wilna Joy. "Emosionele reaksies van die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking van seksuele misbruik / Wilna Joy Stander." Thesis, North-West University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/5033.

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* OPSOMMING: Die doelstelling van die navorsing was om die reaksies van die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking van die oortreding te bepaal en hoedat die forensiese maatskaplike werker die moeder tydens die forensiese proses behulpsaam kan wees. Doelwit 1: Om vas te stel wat die emosionele reaksies van die moeders was nadat seksuele misbruik van hul kinders bekend gemaak is. Doelwit 2: Om vas te stel in watter mate die forensiese maatskaplike werker inligting aan die moeder verstrek het rakende die wetlike en forensiese prosesse asook moontlike implikasies rakende bepaalde besluitneming. Doelwit 3: Om vas te stel hoe die forensiese maatskaplike werker die moeder tydens die forensiese proses behulpsaam kan wees. Ten opsigte van doelwit een (1) is 'n gestandaardiseerde meetinstrument (PMSI) benut ten einde die moeder se emosionele reaksies te bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind na bekendmaking daarvan, binne 'n emosionele konteks, met simptome van trauma presenteer. Doelwit twee (2) is met behulp van 'n selfontwerpte vraelys ondersoek, aan die hand waarvan bevind is dat die meerderheid moeders voldoende inligting met betrekking tot die wetlike en forensiese prosesse van die forensiese maatskaplike werker ontvang het. Enkele van die moeders het egter beleef dat hulle nie op aile vlakke toepaslik ingelig was rakende die wetlike en forensiese proses nie. Ten aansien van doelwit drie (3) is dieselfde selfontwerpte vraelys benut as die in doelwit twee (2) genoem. Daar is bevind dat die forensiese maatskaplike werker toepaslike inligting aan die moeder moet verstrek en dat sy haar na bevoegde kundiges wat oor spesifieke terapeutiese kennis en vaardighede beskik, moet verwys. Hierdie bevindinge is vervat in die aanbevelings wat in die studie gedoen is, wat fokus op die forensiese maatskaplike werker se rol en taak met betrekking tot die moeder van die seksueel misbruikte kind. • SUMMARY: The purpose of the research was to determine the emotional reactions of the mother of the sexually abused child after disclosure and how the forensic social worker can assist the mother in the forensic process. Objective 1: To determine what the emotional reactions of the mothers of their sexually abused children were after disclosure of sexual abuse. Objective 2: To ascertain to what extent the forensic social worker furnished the mother with information regarding the legal and forensic process as well as possible implications concerning certain decision making. Objective 3: How the forensic social worker can assist the mother in the forensic process. A standardised measuring instrument (PMSI) was utilised in obtaining information with regard to objective one (1). The findings indicate that the mother of the sexually abused child presents with symptoms of trauma after disclosure of sexual abuse. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate objective two (2). The findings indicated that the majority of mothers received sufficient information from the forensic social worker regarding the legal and forensic process. The same self-designed questionnaire was utilised for objectives two (2) and three (3). Objective three (3) focused on how the forensic social worker could assist the mother in the forensic process. The findings indicated that the forensic social worker should furnish the mother with specific information, especially by referring the mother to competent therapists with specific therapeutic knowledge and skills. These findings were included in the recommendation made in this study that focussed on the forensic social worker's role and task with regard to the mother of the sexually abused child. Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

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Hansson, Therese, and Eva Nirholt. "Samverkan mellan kommun och landsting : gällande permission inom rättspsykiatrisk vård." Thesis, Örebro University, Department of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-2032.

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Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur samverkan ser ut mellan kommun och landsting vadavser personer som vårdas enligt lag (1991:1129) om rättspsykiatrisk vård (LRV) och skallpermitteras till hemkommunen. Studiens frågeställningar är: (1) Hur sker samverkan mellankommun och landsting innan permissionen verkställs?(2) Hur sker samverkan mellan kommun och landsting under tiden en person är permitterad?(3) Vilka möjligheter och hinder finns vad avser samverkan mellan kommun och landsting gällande personer som permitterats?Metodvalet är kvalitativt och författarna har genomfört fem intervjuer med nyckelpersonerinom landsting och samverkande kommuner. Den teoretiska utgångspunkten är Danermarkstre primära samverkansbegrepp: organisation, kunskap och regelverk. Resultatet visar attlandstinget har ansvar för vård och behandling och att kommunen har ansvar för boende ochsysselsättning. Respondenterna inom landstinget upplever att deras samverkan fungerar braoch uttrycker att det är vikigt med en god kommunikation samt att personkännedomunderlättar samverkan. I dagsläget saknas det skriftliga samverkansavtal som är förankrade iverksamheterna, det saknas även en klar målsättning för samverkan. Detta är något somstudiens tidigare forskning rekommenderar för en förbättrad samverkan. Respondenterna i enav kommunerna upplever att de får för lite bakgrundshistorik om brukarna och anser att vissrädsla kan finnas på grund av detta. De anser även att den handledning de idag får ifrånlandstingets personal inte är tillräcklig. En respondent ifrån landstinget tycker dock att de gerlagom mycket information och att rädslan skulle kunna öka bland kommunens personal om degav mer information. The aim of this study is to research how the collaboration between municipality and countycouncil works, about persons who are in forensic psychiatric care and are going oncommunity leave. The studied issues are: (1) How does the collaboration work, between themunicipality and county council, before the community leave is carried out? (2) How does thecollaboration work, between the municipality and county council, during the communityleave? (3) Witch possibilities and obstacles can be found in the collaboration between themunicipality and county council, about persons who are on community leave?The method in the study is qualitative and the authors have accomplished five interviews withkey figures within county council and collaborating municipalities. The theoretical startingpoint is Danermarks three collaboration concepts: organization, knowledge and rules. Theresult shows that the county council has the responsibility of medical care and treatment andthat the municipality has the responsibility of the housing and occupation. The county councilrespondents experience that the collaboration is good and they also express that it is importantto have an open communication, and that good knowledge of the persons involved facilitatesthe collaboration. Today there is a lack of written collaboration agreements that have gainedapproval within the organizations. Also, there is no common aim with the collaboration. Awritten agreement with a clear aim for the collaboration is something that is recommended byearlier research to improve the collaboration. The respondents in one municipality would liketo get more background history about the persons who are on community leave, the lack ofinformation could cause fear among the employees. They would also like some moreguidance from the county council staff. One county council employee thinks that moreinformation would cause more fear amongst the municipality staff.

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Cuci, Albina. "Frivillighet kontra tvång : samverkan mellan rättspsykiatri och socialtjänst kring patienter som slussas ut från rättspsykiatrisk vård." Thesis, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke högskola, Institutionen för socialvetenskap, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-8322.

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The aim of this study is to gain insight into professional`s experiences of interdisciplinary collaboration between the municipality and the forensic ward. The study was intended to contribute to an increased understanding of the professional`s experiences of what is considered to work and what is considered to lack in the interdisciplinary collaboration between the municipality and the forensic ward. The study`s empirical data was obtained through eight semi-structured interviews with five social workers from the social services and three counselors`s at the forensic ward. National and international previous research in interdisciplinary collaboration that was relevant for my study has been obtained. For the analyze I combined previous research, the result from my interviews and my theoretical framework. Conclusions show that the professionals believe that communication between social services and forensic psychiatry is good and that both parties focus on the individual patient. Conclusions also show that insufficient knowledge regarding the organizations, work areas, responsibility, and resources and that the legislation is different. All the interviewees have a wish to improve and develop the collaboration between them.

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Botha, Karin. "Riglyne vir toepaslike verwysing van kinderkliënte vir forensiese assessering in n Suid–Afrikaanse welsynorganisasie / Karin Botha." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4743.

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From earliest times, child protection has formed an important part of the social worker's responsibilities. When child protection is referred to, statutory intervention, with the accompanying supportive or therapeutic intervention, is often necessary. In cases of sexual abuse of children, the nature of the service rendered is complex, requiring a wide range of inputs. Forensic social work is a fairly new specialist field in terms of service provision in social work in South Africa. The forensic social worker is primarily involved in investigating reports of alleged sexual abuse and must draw up a court report and, as an expert, give evidence in court. The forensic social worker is not involved with the child at therapeutic level. Social workers involved with generic child and family care can be involved in both the statutory and the therapeutic interventions, but are not always sure when a child should be referred for forensic assessment. This may lead to role confusion and conflict. This study attempts to establish a guideline for social workers in the offices of the Christian Council Social Services in the Highveld Synod, in order to facilitate referral for forensic assessment and to eliminate the role confusion and conflict mentioned above. The guidelines have been drawn up on the basis of information gathered from the relevant literature and from focus group conversations with social workers and individual interviews with social workers specialising in forensic social work. Although the guidelines have been developed specifically for the above–mentioned organisation, social workers in other child and family care organisations could also derive benefit from them. Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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Schoeman, Marelize. "A classification system and an inter-disciplinary action plan for the prevention and management of recidivism." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2002. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-05312004-141418.

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Marier, April M., and Alex Alfredo Reyes. "Incarceration and Reintegration: How It Impacts Mental Health." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2014. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/26.

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ABSTRACT Background: Previous criminal justice policies have been non-effective leading to overpopulated prisons and unsuccessful reintegration. There is a lack of effective supportive and/or rehabilitative services resulting in high rates of recidivism and mental health implications. Objective: This study investigated the perceived impact that incarceration and reintegration with little to no supportive and/or rehabilitative services has on the mental health status of an individual. The emphasis was on participant perception and not on professional reports because of underreporting and lack of attention to mental health in the criminal justice system. Methods: Focus groups in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley were held to gather preliminary data used to develop the survey for this study. The survey was distributed to 88 male and female ex-offenders over the age of 18 who were no longer on probation or parole. Secondary data from United Way 211 and California State Reentry Initiative was collected to report current trends of supportive and/or rehabilitative services. Results: Incarceration was found to negatively impact perceived mental health status, but reintegration was not. Supportive and/or rehabilitative services continue to be rarely offered and accessed, but when accessed, perceived mental health status is better. Supportive and/or rehabilitative services are more readily available. People who are using these services are improving their quality of life, becoming productive members of society, and preventing recidivism. Conclusions: A paradigm shift is currently under way to reduce recidivism by improving supportive and/or rehabilitative services during incarceration and reintegration. Many offenders are receiving services as an alternative to incarceration, recidivism rates are being reduced, and ex-offenders are becoming productive members of society. The field of social work is an integral part of reentry services and should continue advocating for policies and services that support reintegration efforts at the micro and macro level.

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Briney, Carol E. "My Journey with Prisoners: Perceptions, Observations and Opinions." Kent State University Liberal Studies Essays / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1373151648.

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Kisten, Annite. "Social workers' experiences of the court process : an examination of the perspectives of social workers in the Durban Metropolitan area." Thesis, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9516.

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Forensic social work is a fairly new concept in the South African context. However, the activities of forensic social work began with the dawn of the profession itself. In recent times the demand for social workers in court has spiraled. The researcher endeavored to explore the perceptions and experiences of social workers functioning in the courts. Further, the problems that they encountered were also examined. The results of this qualitative study stem from in-depth interviews with thirteen social workers. The main findings indicate that the majority of social workers had not received any training in legal processes prior to their first experience in court. Social workers also perceived legal officials to be lacking in training in respect of child related issues. Social workers are generally called to testify in relation to their expertise of a specific child, and not in relation to their expertise of subject matter. In view of the demands placed upon social workers to appear in court, it is recommended that social workers endeavor to organise themselves into a group that can lobby for the recognition of social workers as experts. It is the researcher's contention that such a concerted effort by social workers will improve the status of the profession in the legal system. Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2001.

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Nqaphi, Sivuyile. "The nature of rape incidents involving children ages 7-15 years in the Queenstown district / Sivuyile Nqaphi." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/11923.

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As an employee in the South African Police Service, Family Violence, Child Protection Unit the researcher has noticed that there is an increase in the number of rape incidents in children. This became evident from the intake statistics which indicate that there is an estimate of 15 children per month from the Queenstown district who reported incidents of alleged sexual abuse and/ or rape at the offices of the Family Violence Child Protection Unit during 2009. The number of intakes at the Family Violence, Child Protection Unit increased even more after an awareness campaign on sexual abuse and rape was launched in the Queenstown area. Out of these office statistics it is clear that the phenomenon of child sexual abuse and rape is a very serious problem in Queenstown. Unfortunately no research is available regarding the unique situation of victims in the specific geographical area that contributes to the high incident levels. The aim of the research was to explore the nature of rape incidents involving children in the Queenstown area in order to assist social worker in this area to better understand possible risk factors contributing to child sexual abuse, as well as how to address the phenomenon better by means of effective prevention programmes and forensic social work services. Purposive sampling was conducted among forensic social workers and children from the caseload of the researcher who had been raped in the Queenstown area. This research reveals that children in the Queenstown area do not have adequate knowledge on child sexual abuse and rape. The children in this area are vulnerable because of many circumstances and become, therefore, victims of rape. Looking at the nature of rape incidents in the Queenstown area, there is a definite need for social workers with specialized knowledge, skills and experience regarding forensic social work who can render services to children who were raped. MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

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I-PEI, CHEN, and 陳怡佩. "A study on companion experience of medical social workers with sexual victims in the forensic medical exam." Thesis, 2017. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/97su63.

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碩士 國立中正大學 犯罪防治研究所 106 The role of medical social worker in the case of sexual assault is to bridge and communicate within doctors and victims during the forensic medical exam. There are two main tasks for being a medical social worker, internally, it must be familiar with the procedures of forensic medical exam in a hospital. Externally, it is the media between different units, however, such an important role has been often neglected. Therefore, the study focuses on the experiences of medical companion, especially upon those medical social workers who have been experienced the forensic medical exam in the case of sexual assault. From the aspect of medical social worker, the methodological method will base on constructivism, inviting and having a semi-structured interview with six medical social workers who are mainly responsible for emergency room at a hospital recently. According to the grounded theory, a co-analyst has also been invited to encode and analyze data information. From the result of study, it has been divided into four subjects: the genre and attitude of sexual victim, the procedure of forensic medical exam, the responsibility and value of medical social worker while accompanying with sexual victims, as well as the potential dilemma and consideration of being a medical social worker. On the basis of result and current literature, there are four main aspects during the discussion: the redefinition of victim genre, the review in the procedure of forensic medical exam as well as the professional value and ethics of medical social worker, accompanying with results and advices of research.

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Rapholo, Selelo Frank. "Effectiveness of interviewing techniques with the black child during forensic social work assessments : South African perspective." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/2059.

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Thesis (Ph. D. (Social Work)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 Child sexual abuse is a serious social and health issue that affects people worldwide. A variety of professions is trying to address this problem. It has numerous consequences, such as psychological, physical, social and emotional effects. An integral part of fighting child sexual abuse is disclosure. Forensic social work has been introduced in South Africa recently to facilitate the disclosure of child sexual abuse. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of interviewing techniques with the Black child during forensic social work assessments in a South African perspective. The ecosystems theory was used in this research study to zoom into the nature of child sexual abuse and the environmental systems in South Africa that may affect the effectiveness of the interviewing techniques during forensic assessments with Black children. The study employed qualitative and evaluation designs. Non-probability sampling and probability sampling methods aided triangulation. Stratified random sampling, purposive sampling and convenient sampling techniques were followed to select fourteen (14) forensic social workers in South Africa. Out of these forensic social workers, thirteen (13) were females and one (1) was a male. Data were collected by means of a literature review and semi-structured in-depth interviews guided by an interview schedule with open-ended questions. The collected data were analysed thematically with the help of the Nvivo programme. The study revealed that rape is the most common sexual offence against Black children that forensic social workers across South Africa address. For the purpose of this research, rape is defined in accordance with the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007. Other sexual offences such as sexual assault, sexual grooming, and sexual exploitation/labour are barely reported because some South African communities regard them as minor things or taboos that could be addressed within families. As a result, they are not given the same recognition as rape in South Africa. Forensic social workers therefore have fewer such cases. The study also revealed that child pornography or exposing children to explicit sexual materials takes place more in urban areas than in rural areas, and as a result, it is not assessed among Black children in rural areas. This study further reveals that the disclosure of child sexual abuse is a process where children only disclose to someone whom they trust. In this regard, the environment where children are raised contributes to the disclosure of child sexual abuse. In rural areas, child xiv sexual abuse is mostly disclosed accidentally. Children from urban areas disclose more deliberately. Findings point to factors such as fear of the perpetrator, relationship with the perpetrator, boundaries of culture, the environmental setting, fear of embarrassment and shame, age of the child, language competency, poverty and the South African justice system as factors that play a role in disclosure of child sexual abuse during forensic social work assessments. In the facilitation of the disclosure of child sexual abuse, there is a variety of dynamics that professionals should be watchful of that may influence the disclosure rate. Personal characteristics of the child and the interviewer may affect disclosure of child sexual abuse during forensic interviews. For forensic social workers to ensure the protection of children and the conviction of perpetrators in child sexual abuse cases, they have to conduct skilful forensic interviews. There are specific interviewing techniques that aid disclosure. Some of these techniques appear to be very effective at eliciting detailed and accurate disclosures. Research reveals that in South Africa, cultural background, developmental level, language barriers and the manner of questioning children have an impact in the effectiveness of interviewing techniques during the assessments of allegations of child sexual abuse. Techniques should be contextualized in terms of cultural backgrounds and one should consider developmental level (age in particular), types of questions and language of the child, especially for Blacks. Once again, the disclosure of sexual abuse is a process with definable phases and characteristics. Many children find it difficult to talk about their sexual abuse experiences. It is therefore imperative that forensic social workers have an understanding of the diagonal process of disclosure when conducting forensic assessments. Forensic social workers have to be watchful of varied dynamics that are likely to affect the disclosure rate. The findings reveal that personal characteristics of the child and the interviewer, communication skills, blind assessments and informed allegation interviews have an impact on making the interviewing techniques effective during the disclosure of child sexual abuse. As a result, the study recommends that the forensic social worker should come to the developmental level of the child, speak the language of the child or use interpreters for the child to understand, and follow blind assessments interviews as opposed to informed allegation interviews. However, informed allegations interviews are recommended when assessing children below the age of four (4) years.

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Van, Huyssteen Yolanda. "The disclosure of sexual abuse during middle childhood : a forensic social work perspective / Yolanda van Huyssteen." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/15699.

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Working with sexually abused children and conducting forensic assessments is a difficult task for many professionals working in the field of child sexual abuse. In this specialised field, it is imperative that professionals are aware of the disclosure process, as well as what contributes to, or hampers the disclosure of sexual abuse. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the disclosure of sexual abuse during middle childhood years from a forensic social work perspective. Research indicates that there are numerous factors that can play a role in the disclosure of sexual abuse, but that there are still shortcomings about disclosure in literature. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach to explore the disclosure patterns of sexual abuse during middle childhood with professionals working in the field of forensic social work. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals who have experience in forensic social work. The interviews focused on the disclosure patterns of children during middle childhood, as well as the relationship with the perpetrator, the responses of the caregiver that is characterised by shock and denial, how long children take to disclose sexual abuse, the relationship between the caregiver and the child concerned, as well as recommendations in the context of forensic social work and the disclosure of sexual abuse. The data from the semi-structured interviews was analysed and divided into themes and subthemes, which were further described and linked with the relevant literature. It became clear that the disclosure of child sexual abuse is a complex phenomenon, which is valuable when working in the forensic context. The disclosure process was explored, and certain factors were highlighted that contribute to the disclosure of sexual abuse, as well as factors that hamper disclosure. Some of these factors include intra- and extra-familial abuse, the developmental stage of the child concerned, negative responses from the caregiver, the presence of threats and grooming as characteristics of the relationship between the child and the perpetrator, positive attachment with a caregiver that contributes to disclosure and the highly individualised cases of child sexual abuse. The respondents also made practical recommendations regarding disclosure and indicated how important it is to have the necessary training in order to handle the disclosure of sexual abuse in the correct manner. MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

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Hermano, Sandra Catarina Pestana. "A construção da identidade profissional dos assistentes sociais no campo da reeducação social." Master's thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10071/18212.

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A presente investigação propõe-se a compreender quais as identidades dos profissionais e como foram construídas, numa realidade particular estando o assistente social a trabalhar num estabelecimento prisional enquanto técnico superior de reeducação, mas a exercer funções de serviço social. A reflexão sobre a identidade profissional do serviço social revela-se com pertinência numa altura em que se discute, não só em Portugal, a existência de uma crise de identidade ou uma ausência de identidade profissional no serviço social. O estudo é de carácter exploratório, uma vez que a bibliografia sobre o tema é reduzida, via método indutivo, e recorreu-se a uma estratégia metodológica de natureza qualitativa. Foram realizadas catorze entrevistas semidiretivas, sete das quais a técnicos superiores de reeducação e duas a adjuntos do diretor, todos com formação académica em serviço social a exercer funções nos estabelecimentos prisionais da Carregueira, Leiria, Leiria jovens, Lisboa e Sintra. The present research aims to understand what the identities of the social workers are, and how those identities were built, particularly being the professional working in a correctional facility as a high-level technician of reeducation but still doing the work of a social worker. The reflection on this subject is specialty relevant, because currently many authors are discussing, not only in Portugal if there is indeed a crisis in social work or not. This research is an exploratory study due to the lack of academic research and uses a qualitative and inductive approach thought fourteen semi-structured interviews, twelve to high-level technician of reeducation and two to the assistant director`s and all of them have a social work degree. The professionals are working in the correctional facilities of Carregueira, Leiria, Leiria jovens, Lisboa e Sintra.

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Harris, Evan Marshall. "Sex-Based Employment Protections for Transgender Individuals: A Study of Title VII Legal Cases in the Sixth Circuit." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/1805/20226.

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Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) In the U.S., the transgender community disproportionately experiences a rate of unemployment three times that of the national average. These nearly 1.4 million individuals receive no explicit federal employment protections. Though judges have historically concluded that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not offer such protections, the Sixth Circuit recently concluded that transgender discrimination is prohibited under Title VII. A study was conducted to discern what lead to the Sixth Circuit explicitly extending Title VII’s sex-based protections to transgender individuals. Analysis consisted of data from historical Title VII legal cases—citing sex-based discrimination— brought by, or on behalf of, transgender individuals in the Sixth Circuit. The sample included 20 court records from 11 legal cases identified through the Nexis Uni database. Both a thematic analysis and a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) were conducted. The thematic analysis illustrated four distinct steps taken by the Sixth Circuit—in addition to the two steps previously taken by other Circuits and the Supreme Court. Each stage revealed small deviations in statutory interpretation and application, which lead to a marked change in the legal discourse on Title VII’s sex-based discrimination prohibition. The CDA compared the Circuit’s starting discourse to its more recent discourse and found judges’ moved from a passive to an active role in constructing the legal discourse. Overall, the study illustrates the judicial branch of government’s influential impact on employment rights, and more broadly, social justice. Further, the study presents legal engagement as essential to the pursuit of social change. Given social work’s value of social justice, forensic participation is a suitable addition to the social work toolkit. 2021-08-05

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Santos, Filipe José da Silva Cardoso. "Genética forense, justiça e média em Portugal: elementos de co-produção num estudo de cinco casos criminais." Doctoral thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1822/36678.

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Tese de Doutoramento em Sociologia A identificação por perfis de DNA tem vindo a estabelecer-se como a derradeira prova em contexto criminal, assumindo crescente relevância simbólica no combate ao crime e na investigação criminal, ao mesmo tempo que vem suscitando a atenção de estudos académicos no âmbito dos chamados “estudos sociais da ciência”, assim como em literatura sócio legal acerca dos modos como a disseminação e utilização das tecnologias de DNA se traduzem em transformações, contingências e adaptações nos sistemas de justiça criminal. Esta tese parte de uma perspetiva focada no idioma da co-produção social de artefactos científicos e tecnológicos. Pretendeu-se indagar acerca dos modos como as tecnologias de DNA adquirem agência na modelação identitária e institucional decorrente das práticas e conhecimentos “situados” da rede de atores associados à coprodução da prova de DNA durante inquérito criminal, bem como ao nível dos discursos e representações, quer inscritos nos próprios processos judiciais, quer na cobertura mediática de casos criminais na imprensa escrita. Foram selecionados cinco casos criminais – “Meia Culpa”, “Tó Jó”, “Joana”, “Serial Killer de Santa Comba Dão” e “Madeleine McCann” –, tendo sido analisados os respetivos processos judiciais e cobertura noticiosa de quatro jornais diários de âmbito nacional (Público, Diário de Notícias, Correio da Manhã e Diário de Notícias). Foram também realizadas entrevistas com informantes privilegiados ligados ao sistema de justiça (magistrados, investigadores criminais, peritos forenses e advogados), selecionados em função do seu envolvimento num ou mais dos casos criminais escolhidos para esta pesquisa. Conclui-se que as tecnologias de DNA beneficiam de elevado estatuto simbólico e epistémico, sendo projetadas representações e expectativas globalmente positivas em torno da sua neutralidade, rigor e certeza. Contudo, os seus usos para fins forenses surgem marcados por tensões, contingências e incertezas de vária ordem que tendem a obstar à concretização do potencial de um “imaginário forense” assente na conjugação da noção de eficácia das tecnologias de identificação com a permanência dos vestígios que podem levar à individualização da sua origem. DNA technologies have been established as the ultimate type of evidence in the criminal justice context, with increasing symbolical importance in criminal investigation, while attracting the attention of academic studies in the area of “social studies of science”, as well as in the socio-legal literature, regarding the ways in which its dissemination and uses translate into changes, contingencies and adaptations in criminal justice systems. This thesis draws from a perspective focused on the idiom of the social coproduction of scientific and technological artefacts. The aim was to question the ways in which DNA technologies acquire agency in the shaping of identities and institutions in the practices and “situated” knowledges in the network of actors involved in the coproduction of DNA evidence during criminal inquiries, as well as in the discourses and representations inscribed in the files of the judicial proceedings and in the media coverage of criminal cases in the press. Five criminal cases were selected for this study – “Meia Culpa”, “Tó Jó”, “Joana”, “Serial Killer de Santa Comba Dão” and “Madeleine McCann” – and the files of their respective judicial proceedings and news coverage in four national daily newspapers were analysed (Público, Diário de Notícias, Correio da Manhã and Diário de Notícias). Furthermore, a set of in-depth interviews was conducted with privileged informants associated with the justice system (magistrates, criminal investigators, forensic experts and lawyers). The interviewees were selected in view of their involvement in one or more of the selected criminal cases. It was concluded that DNA technologies benefit from an elevated symbolical and epistemic status, along with the projection of generally positive representations and expectations surrounding their neutrality, rigour and certainty. Nevertheless, their forensic uses are marked by tensions, contingencies, and several instances of uncertainty which tend to hinder the concretization of the potential rendered by a “forensic imaginary” grounded on the conjugation of a notion of efficacy pertaining to the use of identification technologies with the permanence of traces that can lead to the individualization of their source. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) bolsa de doutoramento SFRH/BD/72253/2010.

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Costa, Elisabete Dias. "Burnout em profissionais das comissões de proteção de crianças e jovens em perigo." Master's thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10437/5467.

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Orientação: Célia Ferreira Desde a mais remota Antiguidade, o trabalho assume um papel preponderante na sociedade. Contudo, pode ser também fonte de problemas, nomeadamente de Burnout. Este trabalho procurou avaliar o Burnout entre técnicos de CPCJ´s (N = 212) e analisar a sua relação com variáveis demográficas, variáveis laborais, qualidade de vida e coping. Nenhum dos inquiridos revelou uma condição compatível com a síndrome de Burnout, mas alguns deles apresentavam indícios de tal condição. As variáveis laborais surgiram mais relacionadas com os níveis de Burnout reportados pelos profissionais inquiridos, comparativamente às variáveis sociodemográficas. Os resultados ilustram também associações entre os scores de Burnout (e/ou respetivas dimensões) e o bem-estar face ao trabalho, assim como entre os scores de Burnout (e/ou respetivas dimensões) e o estilo de vida e coping: quanto menor o bem-estar retirado da prática laboral e a qualidade de vida, maiores os índices de Burnout; quanto maior o sentimento de exaustão emocional e de despersonalização (dimensão do Burnout), menor o coping de controlo; quanto maior o sentimento de realização pessoal (terceira dimensão do Burnout), maior a frequência deste tipo de coping. Este trabalho deve servir de mote encorajador para um maior investimento académico, científico e prático a este nível. Since the Dawn of times, work has taken a main role in society. However, it can also be the source of problems, namely as Burnout. This study sought to evaluate the Burnout among the Child Protection Service Technicians (N = 212) and analyse how it relates to demographic, labour, life quality and coping variables. None of the inquired persons have shown any compatible condition to the Burnout syndrome, though some presented signs of that condition. The labour variables appear more related to the levels of Burnout reported by the inquired professionals, in comparison to the sociodemographic variables. The results also show associations between the Burnout scores (and/or respective dimensions) and the labour related well being, as well as associations between the Burnout scores (and/or respective dimensions) and life style and coping: the less well being achieved in work, the greater are the Burnout traces; the bigger the feeling of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization (Burnout dimensions), the less control coping; the greater the feeling of personal fulfilment (third dimension of the Burnout), more frequently will this kind of coping occur. This study should serve as an encouraging platform to instigate further academic, scientific and practical investment in this area.

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Gogela, Sphokazi. "Reasons for the reluctance to disclose sexual abuse by middle childhood children / Sphokazi Gogela." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/10724.

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Fighting sexual violence against women and children in South Africa is regarded as a priority. The aim of this study is to explore the reasons for the reluctance to disclose sexual abuse by middle childhood children. Some of the factors that were highlighted that cause the reluctance to disclose sexual abuse by middle childhood children were: threats made by the perpetrator, the relationship with the perpetrator, stigmatization and talking about sexual related matters were seen as a taboo. The study reveals that there is lack of parental support especially when the perpetrator is a family member as they want to avoid embarrassment. It was also discovered that it is difficult for those parents who have unresolved issues of sexual abuse to handle their children’s disclosure. The study further shows that people do not understand the justice process especially the bail conditions. They lose faith in the system especially when they see the perpetrator outside and they do not understand that the investigation is still in process. It was discovered that FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit) and FSW (Forensic Social Work) offices/environment should be better equipped and child friendly to put sexually abused children at ease. It was indicated that parents should supervise their children at all times. Children should be assured that it is not their fault and they do not deserve to be sexually abused. MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

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Viau-Tassé, Mathilde. "Étude ethnographique des stratégies sociojuridiques des professionnelles oeuvrant auprès des femmes en situation de violence domestique à Mumbai." Thèse, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1866/21910.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Forensic social worker'

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