BSW3704
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:655332
Due Date: 31 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Protecting the Child’s Rights in Social Work Practice
In South Africa, social workers play a vital role in upholding the rights of children as
outlined in the UNCRC (1990), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the
Child (ACRWC, 1979), and the South African Constitution (1996). These rights are
underpinned by three key principles: dignity and non-discrimination, the best interest
of the child, and child participation. Each principle must guide every interaction,
assessment, and intervention involving children to ensure ethical, empowering, and
child-centred practice.
Promoting Human Dignity and Non-Discrimination
The right to dignity requires that all children be treated with equal respect and value,
regardless of their background or status. This includes children with disabilities,
refugee children, street children, or those from marginalised communities. Section
9(3) of the Constitution (1996) and section 6(2)(d) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005
explicitly prohibit unfair discrimination on any ground, including race, gender, health,
or disability.
Example
A social worker may encounter a refugee child facing bullying at school due to their
background. The social worker could work with the school to create an anti-
discrimination policy and provide workshops on cultural sensitivity. Simultaneously,
they could engage the child in counselling to restore self-esteem and facilitate a
sense of belonging, thereby promoting the child’s dignity and protecting them from
exclusion.
Upholding the Best Interest of the Child
Section 28(2) of the Constitution (1996) states that a child’s best interests are of
paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. This is further detailed in
section 7 of the Children’s Act, which outlines the comprehensive factors to consider
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
, when making decisions on behalf of a child—ranging from the child’s relationships
and development needs to their safety, identity, and disability status.
Example:
In a custody dispute, a social worker must assess both parents' caregiving capacity,
considering emotional stability, relationship with the child, and living conditions. If
one parent is more emotionally stable and provides a safer environment, the social
worker's report to the court would recommend custody that aligns with the child’s
developmental and emotional well-being, ensuring decisions serve the child's best
interest rather than adult preferences.
Encouraging Child Participation
The principle of participation, enshrined in Article 12 of the UNCRC and section 10 of
the Children’s Act, recognises that children, depending on their age and maturity,
have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them. Their opinions
must be taken seriously, especially in legal, educational, and family decisions.
Example
When a social worker is developing a care plan for a child in foster care, they must
consult the child about their preferences, including school choices, hobbies, or family
contact. If the child is 12 or older, they may also be allowed to consent to medical
treatment (Children’s Act, section 129). Creating spaces—such as child-friendly
interviews or the use of drawing or storytelling—for children to express themselves
allows for authentic participation and ensures that their voices shape their own
outcomes.
Integrating the Three Principles in Practice
Effective child protection services demand a balance of all three principles. For
instance, when placing a child in alternative care, a social worker must ensure that
the placement protects the child's dignity, prioritises their best interest, and allows
them to express preferences. According to the Department of Social Development
(2018), services must be culturally sensitive, collaborative, and based on Batho Pele
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:655332
Due Date: 31 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Protecting the Child’s Rights in Social Work Practice
In South Africa, social workers play a vital role in upholding the rights of children as
outlined in the UNCRC (1990), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the
Child (ACRWC, 1979), and the South African Constitution (1996). These rights are
underpinned by three key principles: dignity and non-discrimination, the best interest
of the child, and child participation. Each principle must guide every interaction,
assessment, and intervention involving children to ensure ethical, empowering, and
child-centred practice.
Promoting Human Dignity and Non-Discrimination
The right to dignity requires that all children be treated with equal respect and value,
regardless of their background or status. This includes children with disabilities,
refugee children, street children, or those from marginalised communities. Section
9(3) of the Constitution (1996) and section 6(2)(d) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005
explicitly prohibit unfair discrimination on any ground, including race, gender, health,
or disability.
Example
A social worker may encounter a refugee child facing bullying at school due to their
background. The social worker could work with the school to create an anti-
discrimination policy and provide workshops on cultural sensitivity. Simultaneously,
they could engage the child in counselling to restore self-esteem and facilitate a
sense of belonging, thereby promoting the child’s dignity and protecting them from
exclusion.
Upholding the Best Interest of the Child
Section 28(2) of the Constitution (1996) states that a child’s best interests are of
paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. This is further detailed in
section 7 of the Children’s Act, which outlines the comprehensive factors to consider
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
, when making decisions on behalf of a child—ranging from the child’s relationships
and development needs to their safety, identity, and disability status.
Example:
In a custody dispute, a social worker must assess both parents' caregiving capacity,
considering emotional stability, relationship with the child, and living conditions. If
one parent is more emotionally stable and provides a safer environment, the social
worker's report to the court would recommend custody that aligns with the child’s
developmental and emotional well-being, ensuring decisions serve the child's best
interest rather than adult preferences.
Encouraging Child Participation
The principle of participation, enshrined in Article 12 of the UNCRC and section 10 of
the Children’s Act, recognises that children, depending on their age and maturity,
have the right to express their views in all matters affecting them. Their opinions
must be taken seriously, especially in legal, educational, and family decisions.
Example
When a social worker is developing a care plan for a child in foster care, they must
consult the child about their preferences, including school choices, hobbies, or family
contact. If the child is 12 or older, they may also be allowed to consent to medical
treatment (Children’s Act, section 129). Creating spaces—such as child-friendly
interviews or the use of drawing or storytelling—for children to express themselves
allows for authentic participation and ensures that their voices shape their own
outcomes.
Integrating the Three Principles in Practice
Effective child protection services demand a balance of all three principles. For
instance, when placing a child in alternative care, a social worker must ensure that
the placement protects the child's dignity, prioritises their best interest, and allows
them to express preferences. According to the Department of Social Development
(2018), services must be culturally sensitive, collaborative, and based on Batho Pele
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
