LESSONS FROM A PILOT STUDY OF A ‘CASH PLUS’ FAMILY INTERVENTION FOR CHILD SUPPORT GRANT RECIPIENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Cash transfers combined with strengthening interventions are widely advocated to respond to the multi-dimensional needs of children and their families. However, few local evidence-based programmes have been developed and tested. This article reports on the lessons learnt from a pilot study of a cash plus intervention, the Sihleng’imizi programme, delivered to child support grant (CSG) beneficiaries and their families in Soweto, South Africa. A qualitative design was employed. Ten CSG beneficiary families received a twelve-week psycho-educational intervention. Positive changes were observed in caregiver knowledge and skills, engagement of caregivers in children’s schooling, increased financial knowledge and access to social support. The programme was found to be feasible to implement. The study illustrates the application of developmental social work principles in practice and emphasises the importance of training and supervision of social workers to deliver cash plus programmes. However, structural barriers remain, such as socioeconomic challenges facing poor and disadvantaged families.