The study evaluates the implementation of the National Case Management Model, an intervention for children orphaned by HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe. It identifies and critically analyzes the structure, roles of social workers, children's case workers (CCWs), Lead CCWs and the process of the model.
Introduction
The National Case Management Model, introduced in 2011, is one of the core interventions of the National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (NAP for OVC), a multilateral social policy that includes social cash transfers and health and education assistance (Government of Zimbabwe, 2010). Given the situation described above, this study evaluated a national model of case management through structural social work to determine the extent to which it is achieving its goals in the current Zimbabwean context.
Background and outline of the problem
To that end, this study aims to generate evidence to inform and influence policy and evidence-based interventions for orphans in Zimbabwe and beyond. The development and implementation of the National Case Management Model in Zimbabwe stemmed from the recognition that many orphans did not have access to basic social services (World Education, 2012).
Location of the study and context
In light of this circumstance, this study also intends to examine and understand the capacity of local CCWs to undertake these social worker roles in light of the fact that they are not “professional” social workers. Despite efforts to formalize settlements in Epworth District and the establishment of the Epworth Local Board (local governing authority), informal settlements in Epworth are increasing (Msindo et al, 2013).
Objectives
Research questions
Theoretical framework
Structural social work theory argues that the welfare of vulnerable children is not prioritized by politicians, who instead prioritize investing in the corridors of power and systems that consolidate their control over power (Weinberg, 2008; Mullaly, 2007). In line with this argument, many African social work scholars are arguing for the application of the developmental approach to social.
Research methodology
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five social workers, five VCs and two key informants using an interview schedule. The in-depth semi-structured interviews for the CPCs were conducted in the previously mentioned vernacular, while those for the social workers and the two key informants were conducted in English.
Clarification of major concepts
A focus group discussion (FGD) using an FGD guide was used to collect data from ten carers whose children were reached through the National Case Management Model. To this end, thematic analysis was used to understand to analyze the experiences of CCWs, social workers, carers and key informants in the implementation and evaluation of the National Case Management Model in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
A community-based volunteer trained by DCWPS and supervised by a child caseworker and social workers to assist orphaned children and facilitate access to services. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a condition where the immune system is destroyed or weakened by the human immunodeficiency virus and is no longer able to fully fight off infection or disease.
Synopsis of chapters
The global status of children orphaned due to HIV and AIDS
As Ghanashyam (2010) highlights: "In South Asia, many children are teased, discriminated and stigmatized because their parents have died of HIV and AIDS". Therefore, children orphaned by HIV and AIDS can be discriminated against by both adults and other children.
Global commitments to the situation of children orphaned due to HIV and AIDS
The status of children orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS in Africa
Thurman (2006) points out that most of these girls do not report the matter to the police because of the stigma associated with reporting a case based on gender. Malnutrition is another serious challenge faced by children orphaned by HIV and AIDS due to lack of food.
Legal framework and interventions for children orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS in
As a way forward, it is imperative to invoke structural social work theory to increase understanding of social problems beyond individual pathology. These are strategic pillars of the state that politicians can use to cement their hold on power.
Interventions for children orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS in Africa
UNICEF explains the Malawian model: “This approach uses community-based child protection committees, under which networks of community members can deliver primary interventions for minor cases and refer serious cases to the formal child protection system. The focus is on supporting communities to identify social norms that protect children, but also make them more vulnerable, and to develop a plan to address individual cases of neglect or abuse.” This statement indicates that the Malawian model shares a similar approach and values with the National Case Management Model and Isibindi.
The situation of children orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe
This conflict between case management values and local culture poses a major threat to the effectiveness of case management. As Roelen et al point out in their study of case management in developing countries that “overreliance on unpaid and overburdened volunteers, and challenges in terms of capacity to provide effective referrals and case management, was a frequent topic in interviews and literature".
Legislation and social policies for the care and protection of children orphaned as a result
Mushunje and Mafico (2010) argue that children orphaned by AIDS in Zimbabwe are more likely to suffer from disease abuse, sexual exploitation and psychosocial distress than children orphaned by other causes. The National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children is Zimbabwe's main multifaceted social protection scheme and framework that addresses the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children.
Models of care and support for orphaned children in Zimbabwe
World Education (2012) argues that this model is based on the African humanist philosophy of collective communal care and support for vulnerable members of the community. The role of the Village Child Protection Committee is to protect the rights of children at the community level (Government of Zimbabwe, 2010).
Conclusion
After this training, CCWs are expected to take on duty with further supervision and capacity building by social workers (World Education, 2012). CCWs are also expected to provide psychosocial support to children and their families.
Introduction
Research design
Target population
Sampling and selection of participants
The researcher used the convenience sampling method to select the five CCWs from Epworth District, which are part of the 15 CCWs implementing the National Case Management Model. This sample consisted of social workers involved in the implementation of the National Case Management Model.
Profiles of research participants
5 social workers (3 from the Department of Child Welfare and Correctional Services and 2 social workers from NGO B) were suitably selected. All NGO social workers had experience of more than two years of social work.
Data collection methods
Of the government social workers, only one had more than two years of experience, while the others were new recruits. Like most government social workers, they move to the NGO sector after gaining experience and practical training.
Data analysis
In this process, the researcher was alert to the need to extract deeper meaning from the data and to provide a true understanding of the data. This approach enabled the researcher to have an interpretation of the detailed descriptions of the National Case Management Model.
Validity, credibility and trustworthiness of data
Although the theme is considered uniform, it often had different angles and dimensions of the same topic (Tesch, 1990). The researcher is a qualified social worker and was involved in the implementation of the model being evaluated in this research.
Ethical considerations
The researcher ensured that the information obtained from the participants was not disclosed to a third party without the approval of the participants themselves. Boote and Chambers (2015) emphasize the need to ensure that the names and identities of respondents are not disclosed anywhere in the research.
Limitations of the study
Conclusion
Introduction
Theme 1: Exploration the National Case Management Model structure
The quote above reflected the fact that the structure of the model also includes directors, social workers and LCCWs. This structure of the national case management model is similar to the Isibindi case management model in South Africa.
Theme 2: Analysis of roles and responsibilities in the National Case Management Model
The role of state social workers in the model is to coordinate and manage the entire county case management process. NGO social workers are in constant communication with state social workers and other non-governmental organizations operating in the area.
Theme 3: Outline and analysis of the National Case Management Process
The assessment stage is important in that it helps identify the child's needs holistically. The evaluation is a process of evaluating the progress made in facilitating the child's access to services and in the overall management of the case.
Conclusion
The description of the case management process described above presents a comprehensive system with the potential to facilitate holistic and continuous care services for children. It is consistent with the description of an effective case management process described in the literature review, such as case identification, planning, implementation, referrals, review and evaluation (Hutt et al, 2004).
Introduction
Theme 1: Experiences and limitations in the implementation of the National Case
Improved psychosocial well-being of orphans due to HIV and AIDS is another important expected outcome of the National Case Management model (World Education, 2012). Most caregivers noted that the CCWs' home visits were very helpful to them and supported their psychosocial well-being. Most emphasized that home visits should continue and that they are an essential part of the program.
Theme 2: Social workers’ perception of the National Case Management Model as a social
O'Leary and Squire (2009) bring an interesting dimension to the above criticism of case management, arguing that case management systems need to be viewed realistically. Respondents agreed that case management is best in developed countries where there is a high level of service provision and service providers have a high level of capacity.
Theme 3: Social workers’ perception on CCW training and capacity
Isibindi's case management model therefore uses professionally trained healthcare providers and there is ongoing professional development. It can be noted that the challenges CCWs experienced with case management tools stem from the limited education and low literacy among CCWs.
Theme 4: Child caseworker’s motivation
This was attributed to the fact that, in addition to low levels of education, they are often uneducated and were chosen only because of their popularity in the community. It has actually created jobs for the youth and they are well motivated (Thurman et al, 2009).
Conclusion
They use social work as a palliative and as a means of camouflaging the material basis of deprivation".
Introduction
Summary of findings
As a major weakness of the research, it was noted that the model gives CCWs roles and responsibilities which are in the domain of qualified social workers. However, it was observed that some of the HCWs were not using the home visiting function to provide psychosocial support, but were focusing on data collection.
Implications and recommendations for social work interventions, policy reforms and
In line with the indigenization of social work and the social development agenda, social workers should explore livelihood opportunities and initiatives to strengthen the economy. Inspired by structural social work theory, this research recommends that social workers should identify sustainable livelihood opportunities that can be undertaken by families.
Informed consent form for caregivers (English)
The study will contribute to the existing literature by generating information on the case management model used in Zimbabwe. You can stop participating in this study at any time, even if you have already given consent.
Informed consent for caregivers (Shona)
Informed consent for CCWs (English)
If you agree to participate in the study, you will be interviewed to answer a series of questions in a prepared questionnaire/interview guide. I do not expect you to suffer any harm by participating in this study.
Informed consent for CCWs (Shona)
Kana ukasarudza kupinda, hautarisirwi kutsanangura kuti sei uchida kubuda mutsvakurudzo iyi, sezvo iri kodzero yako kuita zvaunoda panguva iyoyo pasina kutya kana kuvhunduka. Kana wabvuma kupinda mutsvakurudzo iyi, tapota saina pano kuratidza kuti waverenga uye wagutsikana negwaro iri.
Informed consent for social workers
You can stop participating in this study at any time, even if you have already given your consent. participating or withdrawing from the survey will not affect you from accessing the case management system. If you consent to participate in this survey by answering questions, please sign this form to indicate that you have read the contents. full name) on ……….(date) hereby confirm that I understand the contents of this document and the nature of the research project and I consent to participate in the research project.
Informed consent for key informants
I assure you that all the information collected from the interview will be respected, treated confidentially and used only for the purpose of the study. All information collected from the interview will be entered into computers with only the interviewee's number.
Interview schedule for social workers
If you consent to participate in this study by answering questions, please sign this form to indicate that you have read the content. date) hereby confirm that I understand the contents of this document and the nature of the research project, and that I agree to participate in the research project. Can you describe how the National Case Management Model is being implemented? research into key activities, structure and strategies).
Interview schedule for CCWs (English and Shona)
Vana vaunobatsira unowana sei uye zvavanoda? j) Ndeapi mabasa ako muNational Case Management Model? Zvinotora nguva yakareba sei kuti mwana agamuchire masevhisi kuburikidza nehurongwa hwekutarisira nyaya?
Interview schedule for key informants
Focus group discussion for caregivers (English and Shona)
Research approval letters and ethical clearance
Copy of signed consent form
