BSW3701 Assignment 2 2025
Unique Number: 193517
Due date: 18 July 2025
1. Definitions
1.1 Family
A family is a primary social unit composed of individuals connected by blood, marriage, or
adoption who provide emotional, social, and economic support to one another. While
traditionally defined in Western contexts as a nuclear unit (mother, father, and children),
African perspectives include extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles,
and cousins. Family structures have diversified to include single-parent families, child-
headed households, and families formed by same-sex partners. Social workers must
acknowledge this diversity when offering support to families (Schenck et al., 2016; Zastrow
& Kirst-Ashman, 2013).
1.2 Foster Care
Foster care is a form of temporary alternative care provided to children in need of care and
protection, as determined by the Children’s Court under section 150 of the Children’s Act 38
of 2005. A foster parent is a responsible adult screened by a social worker, and the child is
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
This assignment explores key concepts and issues central to the field of social work,
with a particular focus on family dynamics, vulnerable populations, and the role of
the social worker. It begins by defining essential terms such as family, foster care,
adoption, social assistance, and crisis, which provide the foundation for
understanding social work practice. It then examines the nature and characteristics
of social problems, followed by an analysis of two pressing social issues affecting
families in the student's own community. The assignment further investigates the
various fields of social work practice, encouraging personal reflection on areas of
interest. A detailed discussion on child-headed families is included, highlighting the
challenges they face. The importance of accurate and effective social work recording
is discussed using insights from Kirst-Ashman and Hull, while Healy and
Mulholland’s guidelines are used to explain the structure of process reports. Finally,
the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 is reviewed, along with the social worker’s
roles in supporting affected individuals.
1. Definitions
1.1 Family
A family is a primary social unit composed of individuals connected by blood,
marriage, or adoption who provide emotional, social, and economic support to one
another. While traditionally defined in Western contexts as a nuclear unit (mother,
father, and children), African perspectives include extended family members such as
grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family structures have diversified to
include single-parent families, child-headed households, and families formed by
same-sex partners. Social workers must acknowledge this diversity when offering
support to families (Schenck et al., 2016; Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2013).
1.2 Foster Care
Foster care is a form of temporary alternative care provided to children in need of
care and protection, as determined by the Children’s Court under section 150 of the
Unique Number: 193517
Due date: 18 July 2025
1. Definitions
1.1 Family
A family is a primary social unit composed of individuals connected by blood, marriage, or
adoption who provide emotional, social, and economic support to one another. While
traditionally defined in Western contexts as a nuclear unit (mother, father, and children),
African perspectives include extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles,
and cousins. Family structures have diversified to include single-parent families, child-
headed households, and families formed by same-sex partners. Social workers must
acknowledge this diversity when offering support to families (Schenck et al., 2016; Zastrow
& Kirst-Ashman, 2013).
1.2 Foster Care
Foster care is a form of temporary alternative care provided to children in need of care and
protection, as determined by the Children’s Court under section 150 of the Children’s Act 38
of 2005. A foster parent is a responsible adult screened by a social worker, and the child is
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
This assignment explores key concepts and issues central to the field of social work,
with a particular focus on family dynamics, vulnerable populations, and the role of
the social worker. It begins by defining essential terms such as family, foster care,
adoption, social assistance, and crisis, which provide the foundation for
understanding social work practice. It then examines the nature and characteristics
of social problems, followed by an analysis of two pressing social issues affecting
families in the student's own community. The assignment further investigates the
various fields of social work practice, encouraging personal reflection on areas of
interest. A detailed discussion on child-headed families is included, highlighting the
challenges they face. The importance of accurate and effective social work recording
is discussed using insights from Kirst-Ashman and Hull, while Healy and
Mulholland’s guidelines are used to explain the structure of process reports. Finally,
the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 is reviewed, along with the social worker’s
roles in supporting affected individuals.
1. Definitions
1.1 Family
A family is a primary social unit composed of individuals connected by blood,
marriage, or adoption who provide emotional, social, and economic support to one
another. While traditionally defined in Western contexts as a nuclear unit (mother,
father, and children), African perspectives include extended family members such as
grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family structures have diversified to
include single-parent families, child-headed households, and families formed by
same-sex partners. Social workers must acknowledge this diversity when offering
support to families (Schenck et al., 2016; Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2013).
1.2 Foster Care
Foster care is a form of temporary alternative care provided to children in need of
care and protection, as determined by the Children’s Court under section 150 of the
