A Developmental Social Work Practice Framework for Promoting Healthy Human Relationships for and Amongst Youth in South Africa

Abstract

Young people are exposed to various sources of vulnerabilities due to their stage of human development and their socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. They are often confronted with enormous social and peer pressures, as well as challenges of having to live up to the expectations of their families, community and society in general. These pressures and expectations usually result in intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts. The former usually leads to intense anger, anxiety and sometimes depression which manifest in unhealthy relationships with the self. The latter usually contributes to destructive human relationships and interpersonal violence. Dysfunctional human relationships have a major negative impact on young people’s social functioning. Healthy human relationships are essential in establishing good social support systems, which could enhance young people’s sense of belonging and social functioning. A developmental practice paradigm requires social workers to promote the prevention of destructive human relationships, and to intervene as early as possible in ameliorating emerging troublesome human relationships. This chapter focuses on a developmental social work practice framework for promoting healthy human relationships for and amongst youth in South Africa. It proposes a developmental and restorative practice framework, which could promote resilience and healthy human relationships for and among youth.