Purpose
The Core function of Social Work Services is to assess the offenders and provide needs based Programmes and Services in order to enhance the adjustment, social functioning and reintegration of offenders back into the community.
Functions Performed by Social Work Services
Professional assessment of offenders
Provide social work services and programmes to offenders
Assist offenders to develop coping skills
Ensure the provision of therapeutic counseling and support to offenders
Compile reports to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board
Build partnership with external service providers (NGOs, CBOs, families and the community) in the rehabilitative process
Participate and represent the Department of correctional Services in the Interdepartmental Structures addressing issues of children, youth, women, disabled and elderly offenders
Organize awareness and information sharing campaigns in order to expand the knowledge of offenders on child protection , domestic violence, crime prevention and human rights etc
Facilitate contact between offenders and their families in order to build and maintain healthy family relationships thus contributing to stable families and positive lifestyles.
Inform policy formulation through practice and contributing to professional knowledge of social work through research and paper presentations
Provide, capacity building to professionals
Embark on action based research to inform appropriate interventions
Target Groups
All categories of offenders i.e children, young offenders, male and female offenders, the elderly offenders with disabilities, probationers and parolees.
Social workers in the Department of Correctional Services are providing services at correctional facilities level as well as at the community corrections offices in all regions. The services provided by social workers are managed and coordinated at head office level
Social Work Methods
In the provision of services social workers use basic professional methods of social work practice including casework, group work, community work research and administration. The variety of skills, techniques and processes are used in the engagements with the offenders. In the provision of services, professional social workers are required by the professional body (South African Council of Social Services Professions) to discharge their services with integrity, commitment and exercise their professional discretion to the best interest of the client/offender.
Services and Programmes Provided
A. Services
Assessment
Counseling services (offered to individual offenders)
Supportive services (offered during traumatic experiences e.g. death or living with HIV and AIDS)
Crisis intervention (basically to victims of traumatic experiences and for the awaiting trial detainees on referral)
Administrative (variety of reports required for the offenders e.g. parole board reports, reconstruction services reports etc)
B. Programmes
Orientation
Life Skills
Substance Abuse
Family and Marriage Enrichment
Anger Management
Sexual Offender Treatment Programme
Resilience Enhancement Programme (Youth Programme)
Social Workers also participate in the following programmes:
HIV and AIDS Programme
Pre-Release Programme
Policies Available
The practice of social work in DCS is informed by all applicable legislation and international standards as well as the following policies developed within: this field:
Social Work Policy
Youth Policy
Policy for offenders with Disabilities
Infants and Mothers Policy
Child offender Policy
Elderly Offender’s Policy
Requirements to work as a Social Worker in DCS
The entry level of newly appointed social workers is at level seven (7). The applicant should satisfy the following requirements to be employed in DCS:
Be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate
Be in possession of the relevant Degree in Social Work
Be registered with the South African Council for Social Work Service Professions
Have a Code EB (08) driver’s license
Be proficient in English and any other indigenous language
The practice of social work within the Department of Correctional Services is regulated by the South African Council for Social Services, a legislated body established in terms of the Social Service Professions Act (110 of 1978) to ensure professional standards and ethics of the practicing social workers.