Abstract
The International Federation of Social Work places a concern with human rights and social justice at the core of its definition of social work. Social work values are based on “respect for the equality, dignity and worth of all people” (IFSW, 2000), and social work practice has a special concern for vulnerable and oppressed people. People with mental health problems are amongst the most vulnerable members of society and in South Africa they comprise a considerable proportion of our society. According to the South African Stress and Health Survey (Herman, Steyn, Seedat, Heeringa, Moonal & Williams, 2009), the lifetime prevalence for any mental health problems in South Africa is 30.3% and neuropsychiatric disorders rank third in their contribution to the burden of disease in South Africa (Bradshaw, Norman & Schneider, 2007).
Highlights
The International Federation of Social Work places a concern with human rights and social justice at the core of its definition of social work
This review focuses only on mental health problems and excludes intellectual disability
Sect 8(2): Mental health care users must be provided with care, treatment and rehabilitation services that improve their mental capacity to develop to their full potential and facilitate their integration into community life
Summary
The International Federation of Social Work places a concern with human rights and social justice at the core of its definition of social work. People with mental health problems are amongst the most vulnerable members of society and in South Africa they comprise a considerable proportion of our society. Mental health care has undergone significant changes in post-apartheid South Africa and the Mental Health Care Act No 17 of 2002 (promulgated in December 2004) was an attempt to transform the mental health care system from one which focused largely on custodial care and protection to one based on human rights
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
