Exploring the psychosocial support interventions for orphans and vulnerable children by social workers in the Vhembe district of South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: It is a global issue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children, especially in developing nations that lack the training, infrastructure, and educational programs necessary for social welfare services. Objectives: This article explored the psychosocial support interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe district of South Africa. Methods: A qualitative method using an explorative descriptive design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select participants within four municipalities in the Vhembe district. Data was collected using in-depth one on one interview with social workers. Data was analysed following Tesch’s eight steps of coding data analysis. Results: The study found that orphans and vulnerable children are receiving psychosocial support from social workers. Many orphans and vulnerable children are experiencing abuse from their families, which leads many of them to substance abuse and alcohol. There are many obstacles in providing psychosocial support towards OVC, and the study suggested ways to improve the psychosocial support of orphans and vulnerable children. Conclusion: These findings provide an insight into the types of psychosocial support interventions provided by social workers to orphans and vulnerable children. Clinical trial registration: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Human and Clinical Trial Research Ethics Committee) of the University of Venda (project no. FHS/23/PH/05/0706 approved on the 13th of June 2023.