AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTIES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION.

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The evolution of social work and attempts to promote social development can be seen as inextricably linked to the basic desire of people to help one another in all prior human communities, which can be traced back to the dawn of all human societies. Traditional cultures, particularly African communities, were distinguished by a concern for social welfare, which manifested itself in activities conducted within the family, clan, and ethnic group. The extraordinary attention paid to children, orphans, widows and widowers, the disabled, and the elderly reflected humanity’s natural tendency to assist one another in all communities. Social work was more or less a collective responsibility in such a “gemeinschaft” (Tonnies, 1887), rather than the responsibility of individuals. Individuals or organizations with specialized knowledge. As a result, social work has always sought to improve the overall quality of life for all those involved. The modern field of social work has only recently emerged from its historical roots. This movement arose at a time when feudalism was disintegrating and capitalism was taking its place. The family’s and the church’s control was also eroding at an alarming rate. According to Fink (1968:27), fundamental social changes began in the United Kingdom between 1834 and 1909. These changes heralded the establishment of specialized care agencies in the country for previously neglected or abandoned vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, such as dependent children and people living with physical or mental disabilities. District schools, foster homes and other residential care facilities, hospitals, infirmaries, and special schools were among the institutions available to these populations. In any case, social work is gradually becoming globalized, owing to the fact that it is used in a variety of situations and by various organizations and individuals all over the world. “Psychiatric, medical, marital and family therapy,” “school counseling,” “corrections,” “public welfare,” “the workplace,” “drug addiction,” and “child welfare” are just a few of the services available (Farley et al, 2006: 13). Sociological research is concerned with the needs and problems of individuals and families not only on a personal or family level, but also on a local, national, and international scale. The social situation This country’s work practice department has prioritized the correction of juvenile delinquents and vagrants, as well as the organization of youth clubs/associations and sports. While this is an important aspect of their work, the social welfare department’s primary function is to assist the poor and needy in their efforts to survive, as well as to assist problems caused by the changing social environment. As a result, the welfare system is intended to assist those who are unable to meet the challenges (new social changes). The state provides a variety of services, including conciliation rehabilitation and general welfare, which includes married couples with marital problems, victims of mental and physical distress, and physically handicapped people. as well as others. Others include children’s services, such as social workers who provide services to children and conduct investigations to assist the court in determining the type of treatment to be provided. One of the social welfare agency’s responsibilities is to look after abandoned babies and make the necessary arrangements to find them foster parents or place them in children’s homes. Another responsibility is to assist distressed families, which entails the use of family casework practice. Social workers work to prevent family disintegration and, when possible, to bring about matrimonial reconciliation; this requires a great deal of persuasion and many difficulties are frequently encountered; services for the handicapped, disabled people, and baggers; and these are provided.

primarily aimed at rehabilitating the unfortunate; and services for the underprivileged.

1.2THE PROBLEM’S STATEMENT

The primary mission of the social work profession, according to the National Social Workers’ Association, is to improve human well-being and assist in meeting the basic needs of all people, with special attention paid to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty, among other things. The concept of social work in medical services is novel in many African countries, including Nigeria (William, M. 2014).

A growing number of social workers are being assigned to hospital positions; however, their expertise and abilities are being underutilized unnecessarily, not by design, but rather due to a lack of knowledge about the responsibilities and functions.

of social work experts in the medical field. The employment of social workers in medical facilities improves patient care in hospitals. Because the vast majority of patients are experiencing social difficulties, not all patients require pills and injections.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study’s overarching goal is to investigate the difficulties that social workers face in carrying out their duties. The study will be subject to the following conditions:

i. To investigate the factors that contributed to the emergence of social workers.

ii. To learn about the difficulties that social workers face in carrying out their responsibilities.

iii. To assess the value of having social workers in the community.

1.4 QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH 

The following study questions have been prepared:

i. What factors contributed to the emergence of social workers?

ii. What are the difficulties that social workers face in carrying out their responsibilities?

iii. What are the advantages of having social workers in the community?

1.5 THE STUDY’S SIGNIFICANCE

In the last decade, there have been many changes in the pattern of social welfare work in Nigeria. Previously, inexperienced men perceived social welfare agencies solely as providing family services such as child maintenance allowance. Child abuse and mistreatment of wives by their respective husbands. However, due to rapid public awareness, many people have come to appreciate the breadth of the agency’s services. Child care, hospital services, probation, and family welfare are a few examples.

Youth and prison welfare services are provided separately.

This project will help the relevant authorities and the general public understand and appreciate the importance and challenges that social welfare agencies face in this country.

These studies will benefit social workers in the sense that they will assist them in determining where they are lacking.

This study will be important to the academic community because it will add to the existing literature.

1.6 THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVE

This research will look into the factors that led to the emergence of social workers. The research will also look into the difficulties that social workers face in carrying out their duties. Finally, the study will assess the value of having social workers in the community. As a result of this

The study will be restricted to Lagos State.

1.7 THE STUDY’S LIMITATIONS

The researchers encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in sourcing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher chose a moderate sample size. Furthermore, the researcher will conduct this study alongside other academic work. As a result, the time spent researching will be reduced.

1.8 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Challenges: an invitation to enter a competitive situation or fight to determine who is superior in terms of ability or strength.

 

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