BSW3702
PORTFOLIO 2025
Due Date: 1 October 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This portfolio focuses on the critical issue of adherence to HIV treatment among
children and adolescents in South Africa. Despite the country’s progress in rolling out
an effective HIV programme, many young patients continue to face challenges due
to delayed disclosure of their HIV status by parents and caregivers. Stigma, fear, and
lack of psychosocial support contribute to poor adherence, leading to chronic
conditions and reduced treatment outcomes.
The case study provided forms the basis of this portfolio, which aims to apply social
work group methods to support parents and caregivers in preparing for disclosure
and strengthening adherence among children and adolescents. The tasks include
short-answer questions on recruitment, group type, composition, and inclusion
criteria, followed by the development of a comprehensive group work proposal. This
portfolio demonstrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application,
highlighting the role of group work in addressing pressing community health
challenges.
QUESTION 1
1.1.
Describe the recruitment method that you would use to recruit members.
I would use direct contact through interviews and telephone calls with parents and
caregivers who already attend the clinic for their children’s HIV treatment. This
method is suitable because it allows for private, sensitive, and respectful
engagement, which is crucial given the stigma surrounding HIV. In addition, I would
collaborate with community leaders and clinic staff to spread information discreetly
about the group. This recruitment approach ensures that only relevant, willing
participants are reached while maintaining confidentiality and trust.
1.2
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
, Do you think the above group will be a task group? Motivate your answer. (3)
Yes, the above group will be considered a task group. Task groups are formed to
achieve a specific goal, such as completing a project or addressing a practical
challenge (Alle-Corliss & Alle-Corliss, 2009). In this case, the group’s primary
objective is to prepare and support parents and caregivers for the process of
disclosing HIV status to children and adolescents. While emotional elements may
arise, the central aim is not therapy but equipping caregivers with the knowledge,
skills, and confidence to manage disclosure appropriately.
1.3
In view of group composition, would you consider the above group to be a
heterogeneous group? Motivate your answer.
Yes, this group would be heterogeneous. A heterogeneous group consists of
members with diverse characteristics, such as age, gender, socio-economic
background, or experiences (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). In this case, the group will
bring together parents and caregivers of different ages, family situations, and cultural
backgrounds, but all share a common challenge—navigating HIV disclosure. This
diversity will enrich the group process, as members can learn from each other’s
unique perspectives and coping strategies.
1.4
In planning for the above group, would you opt for an open group? Motivate
your answer.
No, I would not opt for an open group. I would choose a closed group because the
issue of HIV disclosure requires a safe and consistent environment where trust and
confidentiality can be established. In open groups, new members join at any stage,
which might disrupt group cohesion and make existing members reluctant to share
openly about sensitive issues. A closed group ensures stability, allowing participants
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
PORTFOLIO 2025
Due Date: 1 October 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This portfolio focuses on the critical issue of adherence to HIV treatment among
children and adolescents in South Africa. Despite the country’s progress in rolling out
an effective HIV programme, many young patients continue to face challenges due
to delayed disclosure of their HIV status by parents and caregivers. Stigma, fear, and
lack of psychosocial support contribute to poor adherence, leading to chronic
conditions and reduced treatment outcomes.
The case study provided forms the basis of this portfolio, which aims to apply social
work group methods to support parents and caregivers in preparing for disclosure
and strengthening adherence among children and adolescents. The tasks include
short-answer questions on recruitment, group type, composition, and inclusion
criteria, followed by the development of a comprehensive group work proposal. This
portfolio demonstrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application,
highlighting the role of group work in addressing pressing community health
challenges.
QUESTION 1
1.1.
Describe the recruitment method that you would use to recruit members.
I would use direct contact through interviews and telephone calls with parents and
caregivers who already attend the clinic for their children’s HIV treatment. This
method is suitable because it allows for private, sensitive, and respectful
engagement, which is crucial given the stigma surrounding HIV. In addition, I would
collaborate with community leaders and clinic staff to spread information discreetly
about the group. This recruitment approach ensures that only relevant, willing
participants are reached while maintaining confidentiality and trust.
1.2
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
, Do you think the above group will be a task group? Motivate your answer. (3)
Yes, the above group will be considered a task group. Task groups are formed to
achieve a specific goal, such as completing a project or addressing a practical
challenge (Alle-Corliss & Alle-Corliss, 2009). In this case, the group’s primary
objective is to prepare and support parents and caregivers for the process of
disclosing HIV status to children and adolescents. While emotional elements may
arise, the central aim is not therapy but equipping caregivers with the knowledge,
skills, and confidence to manage disclosure appropriately.
1.3
In view of group composition, would you consider the above group to be a
heterogeneous group? Motivate your answer.
Yes, this group would be heterogeneous. A heterogeneous group consists of
members with diverse characteristics, such as age, gender, socio-economic
background, or experiences (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). In this case, the group will
bring together parents and caregivers of different ages, family situations, and cultural
backgrounds, but all share a common challenge—navigating HIV disclosure. This
diversity will enrich the group process, as members can learn from each other’s
unique perspectives and coping strategies.
1.4
In planning for the above group, would you opt for an open group? Motivate
your answer.
No, I would not opt for an open group. I would choose a closed group because the
issue of HIV disclosure requires a safe and consistent environment where trust and
confidentiality can be established. In open groups, new members join at any stage,
which might disrupt group cohesion and make existing members reluctant to share
openly about sensitive issues. A closed group ensures stability, allowing participants
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
