The development of a trauma intervention manual for South African social workers

Abstract

The motivation for this study was built on assessments that indicated at the time of the study that social work students in South Africa receive little or no training on trauma and trauma intervention. As a result, practicing social workers might not have adequate knowledge to work effectively with clients who experience traumatic incidents. Influenced by the research problem as described above, the aim for this research was to develop a trauma intervention manual that could equip South African social workers in addressing the recovery of a traumatised person. The following objectives steered this study towards achievement of the goal above, and these were set to: * Explore the importance of trauma intervention through literature study. * Identify key elements of existing trauma interventions that can be adapted. * Describe the need of practising social workers for a trauma intervention manual. * Develop a trauma intervention manual for social workers. The population for the purpose of this study included the Suid-Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie (SAVF) branch in Lichtenburg, Rooigrond Correctional Services and the Department of Social Development (Mahikeng Service Point). The three different organisations were selected to participate in the study because of their diverse exposure to trauma. All the participants work on a daily basis with traumatised people but from a different structure and location. The practising social workers of the three organisations selected formed part of a focus group discussion as a data collection method within the qualitative research approach. Twenty practising social workers from the above-mentioned organisations participated in the study for Phase one (problem analysis) and for Phase four (pilot-testing of the design) of the intervention research process. The sample size was satisfactory for this study. The qualitative research approach was tailored to have focus group discussions with practising social workers concerning their needs on trauma intervention. Data were collected through simultaneous questioning of several individuals in each focus group. The process of intervention research as suggested by Fraser, Richman, Galinsky & Day (2009:25-140) was used to develop the practice trauma treatment manual. The intervention research model consists of six phases, namely, problem analysis and project planning; information gathering and synthesis; design; early development and pilot testing; evaluation and advance development; and dissemination. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used only Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the intervention research model. Practising social workers who participated in this study confirmed that they lack sufficient knowledge in trauma intervention. The findings further accentuated the need for a trauma intervention manual in the social work profession that will equip the South African social workers to contribute in addressing the recovery of the traumatised person. In closing, recommendations related to dissemination of the research findings, further research studies and practice were made.