scholarly journals CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION IN SOUTH AFRICA

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoinette Lombard ◽  
Santie Pruis ◽  
Margaret Grobbelaar ◽  
Dudu Mhlanga
Author(s):  
Antoinette Lombard

This chapter examines the engagement of social work academics in the policy process in South Africa. It begins by presenting an overview of social policy in South Africa, particularly in the post-Apartheid era, and by discussing the emergence of the social work profession in that country. The development of social work education in South Africa and its contemporary features are then depicted. Following these, the methodology and the findings of a study of the policy engagement of social work academics in South Africa are presented. The findings relate to the levels of engagement in policy and the forms that this takes. The study also offers insights into various factors that are associated with these, such as perceptions, capabilities, institutional support and the accessibility of the policy process. The chapter concludes with an analysis of the findings and their implications.


2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip F Blaauw ◽  
Catherina J Schenck ◽  
Anna M Pretorius ◽  
Christiaan H Schoeman

Migration, particularly when triggered by economic or political hardship, has significant psychological and socio-economic consequences for the individuals concerned. While an impressive amount of research has been conducted by social workers into migration in North America, Europe and Asia, the same cannot be said for Africa. The continent has high numbers of displaced people and refugees, yet no Africa-linked research on migration has been published by the social work profession. This article addresses this gap in the literature by focusing specifically on Zimbabwean day labourers in South Africa. Survey results reveal that these migrants face intense competition for scarce jobs, and thus economic uncertainty, and are often victimised. It is incumbent upon the social work profession to expose the vulnerable conditions in which day labourers have to operate, and to mobilise a coordinated response from relevant government and non-profit organisations in the interests of greater social justice and harmony.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Beddoe ◽  
Jan Duke

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a significant feature of contemporary practice in most professions. In New Zealand, the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) is empowered under legislation to set expectations for CPD. Initially NZ-registered social workers were expected to undertake 150 hours of CPD activities across a three-year period. A random audit undertaken in 2010 found that social workers were not planning their CPD activities in a purposeful way (Duke, 2012), and were struggling to meet the target and as a consequence the requirements were reduced. A content analysis of CPD logs was undertaken in order to provide a snapshot of CPD activities of 84 randomly selected registered social workers. Findings demonstrate that, while a broad range of activities were undertaken by social workers, there was only weak evidence for the enhancement of reflective practice. Engagement in scholarly activity and research was low among the randomly selected group.


Author(s):  
John Harris ◽  
Vicky White

Over 1,700 entriesThe new edition of this dictionary has been fully revised to provide up-to-date definitions of terms from the field of social care, concentrating on social work as a significant area within this field. Covering social work theories, methods, policies, organizations, and statutes, as well as key terms from interdisciplinary topics such as health and education, this is the most up-to-date dictionary of its kind available. It also provides extended entries on specialisms such as children and families, domestic violence, and residential care and has been updated to include new legislation.Useful appendices include a glossary of acronyms and a Table of Legislation, Regulations, and Codes of Practice. Entry-level further reading recommendations and web links provide further resources.It is a must-have for students of social care and related subjects, as well as for qualified social workers undertaking continuing professional development programmes.


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