Abstract:

Forensic assessments in cases of alleged sexual abuse is a specialized field of work for which few private practitioners, nor those working at welfare organizations, are equipped. Parents and significant adults in children’s lives are often under the misconception that any therapist, social worker and/or psychologist can do these type of assessments – which jeopardize successful prosecution and results in re-assessment of children and secondary trauma for both the child and parents involved. This document will provide you with a brief overview of forensic practice and highlight some important questions you might never have thought of asking.

Introduction:

Forensic assessments in cases of alleged sexual abuse is a specialized field of work for which few private practitioners, nor those working at welfare organizations, are equipped. Parents and significant adults in children’s lives are often under the misconception that any therapist, social worker and/or psychologist can do these type of assessments – which jeopardize successful prosecution and results in re-assessment of children and secondary trauma for both the child and parents involved.

Authors

Louise P Aucamp (See resource list)
Social worker in private practice
Email: louise@factnetwork.co.za

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Abstract:

This article examines the various tactics that alienating parents employs as well as the effects of parental alienation on children. The article underscores the importance of addressing parental alienation through a multi-faceted approach, involving legal, therapeutic, and educational interventions. Court intervention may be necessary to modify custody arrangements and protect the child's well-being. At the end of the day the paramount consideration is the child's safety, well-being, and development.

Introduction:

Parental alienation is a process by which one parent negatively influences a child’s opinion of the other parent. In the process of parental alienation, one parent (the alienating parent) damages how the child views the other parent (the targeted parent). As a result, the child becomes extremely dedicated to the alienating parent while unjustly demeaning the alienated parent (Baker, 2020, Harman et al. 2019 & Kruk, 2018.). Therefore, in the parental alienation process, an alienating parent tries to exert control over the child's life by instilling animosity between the child and the targeted parent, with the goal of creating a negative relationship between them. The difference between a child who is estranged or has a difficult relationship with his or her parent and an alienated parent is that an alienated child rejects and does not see any good attributes of the target parent whereas she/he does not see or highlight the negative attributes of the favored parent (Kruk, 2018). This results in the targeted parent being seen in a completely negative light while the favored parent is seen as perfect.

Authors

Nomfezeko Mbali
Social worker in private practice
Email: fezi@rootedcare.co.za

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Abstract:

Parents and professionals are often knowledgeable about the different developmental phases of their child, but when it comes to normal sexual development, they tend to avoid the reality of this phase of development. Understanding the normal sexual development of children aids parents and professionals not only in facilitating the development of a healthy sexual identity with children, but also in identifying high risk or concerning sexual behavior. This article provides an overview of normal sexual developmental behavior as well as sexual behavior during childhood that raises a concern.

Authors

Adapted Louise P Aucamp (See resource list)
Social worker in private practice
Email: louise@factnetwork.co.za

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Abstract:

The issue of obtaining consent, from both parents, is often a difficult one for private practitioners and organizations who’s focus is service delivery in the best interest of children. Therapist, social worker’s and psychologist stance is often one of wanting to help and they find it difficult when issues like consent stand in their way of fulfilling this role. In this article the issue of consent is unpacked and ethically and legally sound guidelines is offered to ensure high standard of ethical practice.

Introduction:

The issue of obtaining consent, from both parents, is often a difficult one for private practitioners and organizations who’s focus is service delivery in the best interest of children. Therapist, social workers and psychologist stance is often one of wanting to help and they find it difficult when issues like consent stand in their way of fulfilling this role. However, if we want to offer services (even if this excludes any statutory or forensic services) that meets both the legal and ethical requirements, we must in all matters concerning a child follow a transparent process.

Authors

Louise P Aucamp
Social worker in private practice
Email: louise@factnetwork.co.za

Marie M Steyn
Division Social Work, Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, Potchefstroom
Email: Marie.Steyn@nwu.ac.za

Esmé van Rensburg
Division Psychology, Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, Potchefstroom
Email: esmé.vanrensburg@nwu.ac.za

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