,BSW3704 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 31 July 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1: Protecting Child's Rights (15 marks)
A social worker plays a critical role in upholding and protecting the
rights of children in child protection services. These rights include
participation, the best interests of the child, and dignity, as enshrined
in the South African Constitution, the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and
international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Below is a detailed explanation of how a
social worker can ensure the protection of these rights, along with
practical examples of interventions.
1. Right to Participation
Participation means that children have the right to express their views
freely in all matters affecting them, and those views should be given due
weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity.
How a Social Worker Protects Participation:
Listening Actively: Social workers must create a safe and trusting
environment where the child feels comfortable to speak. This
includes using age-appropriate language and communication
methods (e.g., drawings, storytelling, play therapy).
Inclusion in Decision-Making: Children should be included in
decisions related to their care, placement, and legal matters. Their
views must be documented and considered before making
decisions.
Advocating for the Child’s Voice: Social workers should ensure
that the child's opinion is represented in legal and administrative
settings, especially when dealing with courts or placement
decisions.
, Practical Example:
If a 10-year-old child is being considered for foster care placement, the
social worker should meet with the child, explain the options, and ask
how the child feels about moving in with a particular foster family. Even
if the final decision is made by adults, the child's preferences should
guide the outcome where possible.
2. The Best Interests of the Child
This principle means that all actions concerning children should
prioritize what is best for the child, considering their safety, stability,
development, and emotional well-being.
How a Social Worker Protects Best Interests:
Conducting Comprehensive Assessments: Before making
recommendations, social workers assess the child's home
environment, family background, psychological condition, and
developmental needs.
Intervention Planning: The social worker ensures that
interventions (e.g., reunification, foster placement, therapeutic
services) promote stability and long-term well-being.
Monitoring and Follow-up: The best interests principle is upheld
by continuous monitoring of the child's situation and revising care
plans when circumstances change.
Practical Example:
In a case of child neglect, the social worker assesses whether the child
can safely remain with a biological parent with support services or
whether removal is necessary. If removal is deemed necessary, the social
worker ensures that the foster home can provide emotional and
educational support to meet the child's needs, not just physical safety.
2025 - DUE 31 July 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1: Protecting Child's Rights (15 marks)
A social worker plays a critical role in upholding and protecting the
rights of children in child protection services. These rights include
participation, the best interests of the child, and dignity, as enshrined
in the South African Constitution, the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and
international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Below is a detailed explanation of how a
social worker can ensure the protection of these rights, along with
practical examples of interventions.
1. Right to Participation
Participation means that children have the right to express their views
freely in all matters affecting them, and those views should be given due
weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity.
How a Social Worker Protects Participation:
Listening Actively: Social workers must create a safe and trusting
environment where the child feels comfortable to speak. This
includes using age-appropriate language and communication
methods (e.g., drawings, storytelling, play therapy).
Inclusion in Decision-Making: Children should be included in
decisions related to their care, placement, and legal matters. Their
views must be documented and considered before making
decisions.
Advocating for the Child’s Voice: Social workers should ensure
that the child's opinion is represented in legal and administrative
settings, especially when dealing with courts or placement
decisions.
, Practical Example:
If a 10-year-old child is being considered for foster care placement, the
social worker should meet with the child, explain the options, and ask
how the child feels about moving in with a particular foster family. Even
if the final decision is made by adults, the child's preferences should
guide the outcome where possible.
2. The Best Interests of the Child
This principle means that all actions concerning children should
prioritize what is best for the child, considering their safety, stability,
development, and emotional well-being.
How a Social Worker Protects Best Interests:
Conducting Comprehensive Assessments: Before making
recommendations, social workers assess the child's home
environment, family background, psychological condition, and
developmental needs.
Intervention Planning: The social worker ensures that
interventions (e.g., reunification, foster placement, therapeutic
services) promote stability and long-term well-being.
Monitoring and Follow-up: The best interests principle is upheld
by continuous monitoring of the child's situation and revising care
plans when circumstances change.
Practical Example:
In a case of child neglect, the social worker assesses whether the child
can safely remain with a biological parent with support services or
whether removal is necessary. If removal is deemed necessary, the social
worker ensures that the foster home can provide emotional and
educational support to meet the child's needs, not just physical safety.
