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INTRODUCTION
This portfolio examines the critical challenge of improving adherence to HIV treatment among
children and adolescents in South Africa. Despite the country's commendable efforts in rolling out
comprehensive HIV treatment programs, many young individuals still face significant obstacles,
primarily due to delayed or non-disclosure of their HIV status by parents and caregivers. This issue
is compounded by widespread stigma, fear of rejection, and a lack of adequate psychosocial support,
which negatively impacts treatment adherence and leads to the emergence of chronic health
conditions.
The case study provided within this portfolio explores the role of social work in facilitating
disclosure processes and enhancing support mechanisms for parents and caregivers. Through the
application of social work group methods, this portfolio aims to address the psychosocial needs of
caregivers, ensuring they are adequately equipped to support children and adolescents living with
HIV. By developing a structured group work plan, the portfolio highlights the importance of
fostering an environment where caregivers can receive the emotional and informational resources
needed to address the challenges they face, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing
stigma.
Question 1
1.1. Describe the recruitment method that you would use to recruit members.
To recruit members for this group, I would use a referral-based recruitment method, targeting
healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, who interact regularly with
parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with HIV. These professionals could refer
suitable individuals to the group. This approach ensures that the parents and caregivers who need the
most support are specifically targeted, as healthcare workers have direct insight into their challenges
and needs. Additionally, the clinic could use flyers, posters, and direct outreach within the healthcare
facility to raise awareness about the group and invite interested individuals to participate.
1.2. Do you think the above group will be a task group? Motivate your answer.
The above group would not be classified as a task group. While task groups are generally formed to
achieve a specific, clear, and often short-term goal (such as completing a project), this group would
be focused on a more ongoing process of emotional and psychological support, with the goal of
preparing parents and caregivers to disclose their children's HIV status. This is a process-oriented
group aimed at providing education, resources, and emotional support, rather than a project-oriented
task with specific deliverables or objectives. The group's purpose is to foster readiness and emotional
security in the caregivers, which requires a longer-term and open-ended approach, unlike a task
group’s time-bound focus.
INTRODUCTION
This portfolio examines the critical challenge of improving adherence to HIV treatment among
children and adolescents in South Africa. Despite the country's commendable efforts in rolling out
comprehensive HIV treatment programs, many young individuals still face significant obstacles,
primarily due to delayed or non-disclosure of their HIV status by parents and caregivers. This issue
is compounded by widespread stigma, fear of rejection, and a lack of adequate psychosocial support,
which negatively impacts treatment adherence and leads to the emergence of chronic health
conditions.
The case study provided within this portfolio explores the role of social work in facilitating
disclosure processes and enhancing support mechanisms for parents and caregivers. Through the
application of social work group methods, this portfolio aims to address the psychosocial needs of
caregivers, ensuring they are adequately equipped to support children and adolescents living with
HIV. By developing a structured group work plan, the portfolio highlights the importance of
fostering an environment where caregivers can receive the emotional and informational resources
needed to address the challenges they face, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing
stigma.
Question 1
1.1. Describe the recruitment method that you would use to recruit members.
To recruit members for this group, I would use a referral-based recruitment method, targeting
healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, who interact regularly with
parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with HIV. These professionals could refer
suitable individuals to the group. This approach ensures that the parents and caregivers who need the
most support are specifically targeted, as healthcare workers have direct insight into their challenges
and needs. Additionally, the clinic could use flyers, posters, and direct outreach within the healthcare
facility to raise awareness about the group and invite interested individuals to participate.
1.2. Do you think the above group will be a task group? Motivate your answer.
The above group would not be classified as a task group. While task groups are generally formed to
achieve a specific, clear, and often short-term goal (such as completing a project), this group would
be focused on a more ongoing process of emotional and psychological support, with the goal of
preparing parents and caregivers to disclose their children's HIV status. This is a process-oriented
group aimed at providing education, resources, and emotional support, rather than a project-oriented
task with specific deliverables or objectives. The group's purpose is to foster readiness and emotional
security in the caregivers, which requires a longer-term and open-ended approach, unlike a task
group’s time-bound focus.
