In the dominant debate, dialogue and literature, there is an assumption that Africa had no form of social work before colonisation. In this article, we deal with the historical question pertaining to the existence of social work in Africa, and deconstruct the term ‘social work’, its origin and meaning in an African context. We employ an autoethnographic approach to describe the knowledge and skills known as social work in African communities using Indigenous Knowledge. We conclude that the Western epistemological paradigm facilitated the idea that social work was non-existent in the pre-colonial era, which distorted and distracted knowledge and skills construction in post-modernism theory and practice
This integrative literature review examines the perspectives of key adults, including social workers, foster parents, and adoptive parents, on sibling relationships of children in contact with Child Protection Services (CPS). A systematic analysis of 13 peer-reviewed papers highlights the significant role sibling relationships play in the well-being, identity development, and stability of children in care. Findings reveal that positive sibling relationships, characterized by warmth, support, and closeness, are often viewed as critical in promoting children’s resilience and sense of continuity. Consequently, both social workers and foster/adoptive parents advocate for the co-placement of siblings when relationship quality is high. However, strained or negative sibling dynamics, including aggression, hostility, or instances of sibling sexual abuse (SSA), frequently lead to decisions for separate placements. Comprehensive therapeutic interventions and strict safety protocols are underscored as essential in such cases to address the emotional and relational needs of all parties involved. Despite the consensus on maintaining sibling bonds, challenges persist due to logistical, bureaucratic, and resource constraints. Social workers cite limited time, restrictive policies, and difficulties in locating suitable foster homes for sibling groups as barriers to supporting these relationships. Similarly, adoptive and foster parents report emotional exhaustion, complex family dynamics, and inadequate agency support as significant obstacles. The findings underscore the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration, increased training for foster parents on sibling dynamics, and clearer documentation and communication between CPS, caregivers, and other stakeholders. Proactive strategies, including facilitating sibling contact and providing targeted interventions, are deemed critical to sustaining sibling relationships and enhancing child welfare outcomes.
In Ethiopia, the impact of imprisonment on motherhood remains significantly under-researched, despite motherhood being central to Ethiopian cultural identity. This study adopts a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of nine formerly incarcerated Ethiopian mothers. The findings illuminate their struggles with societal stigma, poverty, and fractured family dynamics, alongside their resilience and commitment to rebuilding maternal bonds. Central to the study are the implications for social work practice. The results emphasize the urgent need for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support programmes to assist mothers in overcoming stigma, and successfully reintegrating into their communities. Key recommendations include the development of gender-responsive, community-based initiatives to address the psychological, economic, and relational challenges these mothers encounter. Vocational training, parenting education, and advocacy against discriminatory practices are identified as critical tools for social workers to promote sustainable reintegration. The study also highlights the limited availability of non-custodial measures in Ethiopia, underscoring the detrimental effects of incarceration on maternal roles and child wellbeing. Drawing on global frameworks such as the Bangkok Rules, it advocates for non-custodial alternatives and restorative justice approaches, particularly for mothers with dependent children. This research contributes to global social work knowledge by situating the experiences of Ethiopian mothers within broader discussions on reintegration and motherhood. It underscores the importance of incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into social work practice, policy, and research, thereby advancing a more inclusive understanding of post-incarceration challenges.
Purpose: This study investigated the complexities in the school-to-work transition faced by youth with intellectual disabilities in Hong Kong. There is a lack of local research focused on such transitions for youth with intellectual disabilities. Methods: In-depth individual interviews were held with 30 participants, including youth with intellectual disabilities, their family carers and health, education and social work professionals. Data were analysed using the Framework Method. Results: Data analysis based on the ecological model revealed participants’ experiences of different challenges in different systems. Conclusion: By exploring the interplay among various interactions, this study revealed the conditions that impacted the self-determination of youth with intellectual disabilities in a Chinese context, the perspectives on work held by them, their personal aspirations and the interconnected factors within-and between systems. Recommendations for rehabilitation practice were given.
