The use of social work services in criminal matters : an exploratory study of East London attorneys
- Authors: McCoy, Lee
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Social workers -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa -- East London Social service -- South Africa -- East London Lawyers -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007587
- Description: This study explored the use of social work services by East London attorneys in criminal law matters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the data was saturated after 10 such interviews. In exploring the use of social work services, the study also considered the challenges and constraints experienced by lawyers in their use of expert witnesses from the Humanities generally; discussed the expectations lawyers have of expert witnesses and the presentencing reports they write and described the perceived impact of social work services on the presentation of cases in criminal matters. The focus on social work was aimed at exploring ways of increasing the use of social work as the profession of choice when attorneys call on expert witnesses. The literature revIew focussed on the individualisation of sentences, the general principles of punishment, finding an appropriate sentence, the so-called Triad of Zinn, the role of the social worker in criminal justice, the role of the legal social worker, the report, courtroom skills and the relationship between social work values and the law. Using purposive sampling of all legal firms in East London doing criminal work, ten attorneys were asked to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview based on a schedule of questions was used. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed thematically. After ten interviews no new data was being generated and the topic was considered saturated. Further research is needed to build on the themes that emerged. The study argues that there is a place for social work services in criminal matters. It also, however, revealed that some of the respondents had had negative experiences when dealing with social workers. There were also positive responses and a commitment to establishing a more co-operative relationship between law and social work. Based on the research findings, the most important recommendation was to develop communication between the two professions and to provide inter-disciplinary training so as to promote an understanding of the roles and expectations of all involved in the criminal law process.
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- Date Issued: 2003
An exploration of the social worker's role in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects
- Authors: Ndude, Peace-Maker Mqokeleli
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa , Social service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:6058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006664 , Poverty -- South Africa , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa , Social service -- South Africa
- Description: In this research study the researcher attempted to gain an insight on what constitutes sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Further, the researcher attempted to explore and gain understanding of the role of social worker in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Since the literature on sustainability is limited, it is hoped that this study will provide valuable information for further research on the topic. In the limited literature study undertaken however, it was evident that despite the generic service that they provide, social workers have a role to play in community development. It was found that social workers can no longer afford to restrict their service provision to the traditional methods of social work. The egalitarian nature of their profession demands that they occupy the centre stage in poverty alleviation as they are strategically placed between the poor and the decision-makers in government. Eighteen respondents composed of six social workers, six committee members and six community members from six poverty alleviating projects were interviewed. One project from each of the six districts of Tsomo, Nqamakwe, Butterworth, Centane, Idutywa and Willowvale were used in the research study. The fmdings suggested that social workers, committee members and community members have differing opinions on what promotes or impedes sustainability of poverty alleviating projects, All respondents however agreed that participation as well as empowerment through training were basic requirements towards sustainability of poverty alleviating projects. Again the findings agreed with the literature that social workers have an important role to play in promoting sustainability of poverty alleviating projects.
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- Date Issued: 2002