BSW3701
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:193517
Due Date: 18 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:193517
Due Date: 18 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+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
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
