Social Programs Research Articles

Does conditional cash transfer deliver? The Indonesian evidence on PKH

Social protection programs aim to secure individuals’ incomes from socioeconomic shocks and provide access to social services for developing human capital and alleviating poverty. In Indonesia, the Family Hope Program (PKH – Program Keluarga Harapan) is a social protection program that focuses on human capital development that requires children’s school enrollment and mothers and toddlers’ health as the conditions of cash transfers. This study seeks to analyze the effects of the PKH program on consumption expenditure, children’s educational attainment, and prenatal visits in Indonesia. We use the 2007 and 2014 IFLS (Indonesian Family Life Survey) survey data analyzed by the difference-in-difference (DID) method. The results demonstrate that PKH has a significantly positive effect on food consumption expenditure. However, PKH has insignificantly negative effects on children’s educational attainment and prenatal visits. The results suggest that the government monitors and ensures that the targeted recipients receive the program’s benefits. As such, the government can enhance the recipients’ awareness of the program’s benefits and ensure the equal availability of supporting infrastructure that enables households to utilize education and health facilities optimally.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on HIV Prevalence and Treatment Accessibility in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review

HIV/AIDS remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), making it one of the most affected countries globally. This comprehensive review explored the impact of socioeconomic factors on HIV prevalence and treatment accessibility in Nigeria, focusing on key determinants such as poverty, education, gender inequality, and geographic disparities. Poverty exacerbated the risk of HIV infection by limiting access to prevention resources and creating barriers to treatment, while educational disparities affect awareness and prevention behaviors. Gender inequality, particularly in patriarchal societies, increases women’s vulnerability to HIV due to limited control over sexual health decisions and economic dependence. Geographic disparities, especially between urban and rural areas, contributed to uneven HIV prevalence and treatment access, with rural regions often facing significant healthcare infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the strength of health system infrastructure and funding played a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness of HIV services, with underfunding and reliance on external donors posing significant risks to sustainability. The methodology used in this article involved a review and synthesis of existing literature and data on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, emphasizing the socioeconomic determinants of the epidemic. Addressing these factors required targeted interventions, such as strengthening social protection programs, enhancing education, promoting gender equality, improving healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable funding. These efforts were essential for reducing HIV prevalence and improving treatment outcomes in Nigeria. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Socioeconomic determinants, Nigeria, Healthcare infrastructure, Gender inequality.

Analysis Of Family Economic Resilience Against Early Marriage Practices In Mayang Village

This research aims to measure the economic resilience of families involved in early marriage in Mayang Village, Jember Regency. Using a mixed methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and surveys of 50 respondents who met the criteria. Data analysis using multiple linear regression shows that family income, mother's education level, and access to social assistance programs significantly affect family economic resilience. The data processing in this research uses Descriptive Statistical Analysis to describe the economic characteristics of families, such as income, expenditure, and welfare indicators. The results of this study indicate that early marriage has a significant impact on the economic resilience of families in Mayang Village, as reflected in decreased income and increased health burdens. These findings also highlight the importance of women's economic empowerment programs and improved access to education as efforts to enhance the welfare of families involved in early marriage. Interventions targeting education, health, and changes in social norms are crucial for improving the economic resilience of families in Mayang Village.

STUDI BENTUK IMPLEMENTASI DAN DAMPAK SOSIAL EKONOMI PENGELOLAAN HUTAN DESA DI NEGERI MORELLA, LEIHITU, MALUKU TENGAH

The purpose of this study was to determine the form of implementation of the Social Forestry program and the Socio-Economic impacts in the management of Village Forests by LPHD in Morella Village. This study used a purposive sampling method, namely LPHD, KUPS. The results of the study showed that there were forms of Implementation of the Social Forestry (PS) program with the Village Forest (HD) management scheme by LPHD in Morella Village, including the formation of KUPS (KUPS Siliwangi, KUPS Toma Siwa, and KUPS Hausihu). The forms of activities include the Agroforestry Program through counseling and planting of seedlings (durian, nutmeg, cloves, and others), planning for clove oil distillation, assistance with sago processing production tools and exploring cooperation assistance with Bank BI for packaging and marketing of sago tumbu. The socio-economic impacts of the existence of Village Forests (HD) include; Social Impacts, namely being able to build community capacity in managing land, respondents' understanding of HD, the existence of social interaction, Cultural values ​​and norms (mutual cooperation, cooperation, sharing experiences, togetherness), Economic Impacts, namely management training and utilizing forest products, increasing the economy independently, increasing community economic efforts, assistance with economic tools/production tools, assistance with business capital, increasing knowledge and skills in product marketing, as well as business/entrepreneurship opportunities, and certainty of forest management.

Digital Publik Relation KEMENSOS dalam Pemanfataan Sosial Media

In the rapidly developing digital era, social media has become a highly effective communication tool for various organizations, including government institutions. This study aims to analyze the digital public relations (PR) strategies of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) in utilizing social media, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges faced. This research employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through content analysis of Kemensos' social media, in-depth interviews with Kemensos officials and digital communication experts, and online surveys of the public to evaluate their perceptions and engagement with Kemensos' social media content. The results show that Kemensos implements various digital PR strategies to increase public awareness and participation in social programs. The published content includes information on social programs, education, and important announcements, presented in various formats such as text, images, and videos. However, Kemensos faces several challenges, such as crisis management and reputation management on social media.This study finds that Kemensos' use of social media significantly influences the public's image and trust in the institution. The level of public engagement with Kemensos' content is also quite high, indicating the effectiveness of the implemented digital communication strategies. However, there is a need to improve responsiveness and crisis management in dealing with issues that arise on social media. Based on these findings, this study provides practical recommendations for Kemensos to enhance their digital PR strategies, including improving content quality, better crisis management, and increasing public engagement. This research also contributes to the development of digital public relations strategies in other government institutions, providing insights for academics and communication practitioners.

Optimalisasi Program Pelayanan Sosial untuk Remaja: Studi pada Dinas Sosial PPPA Kabupaten Nganjuk

Teenagers who drop out of school or are neglected are a social problem whose impact can be felt by the individuals themselves and also society. In an effort to reduce teenagers who drop out of school or are neglected, cooperation from various government and private parties is needed. One of them is a social service program which aims to ensure that they continue to receive education outside of school and receive guidance. One way to respond to this is that the Indonesian government has made strategic efforts through the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia to establish a social welfare management program for social services throughout Indonesia, especially in East Java social services by forming a UPT which has a coaching program for teenagers who have dropped out of school. namely UPT PSBR. The background of this research is to describe the effectiveness of the youth development social service program which is a program of the East Java Provincial Social Service down to the UPT PSBR and followed by the Nganjuk Regency PPPA Social Service in dealing with teenagers who have dropped out of school. Seeing how the PPPA Social Service in Nganjuk district handles and empowers children who are neglected or have dropped out of school through this program. This type of research is qualitative. This research aims to describe the condition of facts in the field using analysis based on certain data (information). There are 3 methods used for data collection, namely interviews, documentation and field observations. The results of this research show that this program is beneficial and effective for teenagers who have dropped out of school as evidenced by the accuracy of targeting in selecting participants, achieving the set goals, monitoring the program which is beneficial for graduates assisted by PSBR. However, there are still other problems such as the public's lack of knowledge about the PSBR program, this is because the socialization is still carried out using simple methods.

Educating Students for Political Participation: Bringing “Voting is Social Work” to Life

ABSTRACT Elections have become the new battleground for democracy and civil rights. Yet few social work programs provide opportunities for students to gain competency in electoral politics and voter engagement. This article describes an elective course for Master of Social Work students offered in the runup to the 2018 and 2020 elections. Using classroom and community-based learning, students engaged in activities designed to maximize voter participation. Feedback derived from multiple sources speaks to student learning, feelings of accomplishment, a recognition that voting matters, and insights regarding the link between voting and social work. This course represents one model that can be replicated, in whole or in part, as social work programs seek to incorporate voting-related activities into their curricula.

Evaluation of a novel primary to secondary school transition personal and social education programme

ABSTRACT Equipping young people with the skills they need to navigate the challenges they face when transitioning from primary to secondary school is a widely recognised problem, especially in the post-Covid period. This paper reports an evaluation of a programme (Toolkit Programme) to support children in this transitioning, which is novel in being taught in school by youth workers from a youth centre local to two London primary schools. The programme aimed to increase abilities to overcome challenges and improve wellbeing, self-esteem and relationships with peers and with the wider community and sense of safety. This brief in-depth evaluation focussed on the context, processes and outcomes of this programme using mixed methods: fifty-six pupil questionnaire (measures and written comments), twenty-four pupil focus group interview, four class teachers, a head and deputy head teachers and three youth worker interviews. The findings of this external evaluation extended the positive results from the previous internal formative programme evaluations. It raised issues about the timing of the Toolkit programme and the links between youth workers/youth centres and teachers/schools. This paper discusses significant issues and implications about: the contribution of youth centre/club – school partnerships, the place and importance of personal and social education in the primary school curriculum and disseminating the good practice shown in this evaluation.

Mental Health Disclosure in Social Work Education: Opportunities and Discrimination

ABSTRACT Disclosures of lived experience with mental health conditions by faculty and students in social work education programs have the potential to increase knowledge about mental health conditions, dispel myths, and possibly improve future practice with individuals living with these conditions. There is minimal research about programs’ practices regarding student disclosure or about faculty disclosure decisions. Informed by an antioppression framework, this exploratory study used an online survey of deans and directors, Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work coordinators, and field education coordinators of Counsel on Social Work Education–accredited programs (N = 320). We asked: (a) under what circumstances respondents recommend to students that they disclose and not disclose their conditions to class or field instructors, and (b) for those with mental health conditions, what factors influence their workplace disclosure decisions. Findings include that some respondents prioritize student preferences and recognize multiple benefits of disclosure, but many place constraints on student disclosure, consider disclosure unprofessional, or accept myths about people with mental health conditions. Faculty make personal workplace disclosure decisions based on trust and relevance. Implications for welcoming students and faculty with mental health conditions include recognizing potential benefits of disclosure and addressing mental illness discrimination in academia and field.

What do parents know about social-emotional learning in their children’s schools? Gaps and opportunities for strengthening intervention impact

Universal school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programs have been shown to have a range of benefits for students. However, these programs tend to focus on students, not involving parents, which may limit their impact outside the school context. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 118 parents, 58 teachers, and 6 school administrators at six public elementary schools across the United States implementing the Second Step SEL program to determine (a) what parents want to know about SEL in their children’s schools and why, (b) what parents actually know about SEL in their children’s schools, and (c) educators’ perspectives on SEL communication with parents. The findings suggest that school staff underestimate parents’ interest in knowing what their children are learning in SEL at school and perceive logistical barriers to SEL communication with parents. Accordingly, many parents report lacking knowledge about SEL despite valuing that knowledge and wishing to support their children’s SEL development. These findings point to ways SEL programs can be designed to better communicate with parents, and importantly, to facilitate parental engagement in the development of their children’s SEL skills.

Building the capacity of older adults and community: findings from a developmental evaluation of United Way British Columbia's social prescribing programs for older adults.

Older adults with higher needs are ideal candidates for social prescribing interventions, given the complex and intersectoral nature of their needs. This article describes findings from a developmental evaluation of 19 social prescribing programs for older adults at risk of frailty. An evaluation of the programs was conducted from 2020 to 2023. We used data from three components of the evaluation: (1) initial evaluation data collected in 2020 and 2021; (2) program profiles developed in 2022; and (3) co-creation sessions conducted in 2023. From startup until March 2023, the programs served a total of 2544 older adults. The community connectors identified factors at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy levels that contributed to the successful implementation and delivery of their programs (e.g. physician champions, communities of practice, strong pre-existing relationships with the health care system), as well as challenges (e.g. limited capacity of family physicians, lack of community resources). There was strong agreement among community connectors that successful social prescribing programs should include the following core elements: (1) making connections to needed community resources; (2) co-creation of a wellness plan with long-term clients or clients who require intensive supports; (3) ongoing follow-up and check-ins for clients with wellness plans; and (4) an assessment and triaging process for the prioritization of clients. To leverage the full potential of social prescribing interventions, it is essential that programs engage with a range of health and social care providers, that community connectors are skilled and well supported, and that adequate investments are made in the nonprofit and voluntary sector.

COMBATING AGAINST THE DANGERS AND THREATS OF EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM AS A PRIORITY TASK OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW UZBEKISTAN

This article discusses preventive measures aimed at preventing extremism and terrorism in Uzbekistan in recent years, including educational and social programs, legislative, regulatory and institutional frameworks that ensure the implementation of an effective anti-terrorist policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, cooperation of the Republic of Uzbekistan with international organizations in countering the threats of extremism and terrorism, regional and regional roles in initiatives and international contributions to strengthening security are stated.

The efficacy of the peace ambassador project: Promoting children’s emotional intelligence to address aggression in the early childhood classroom

This study explored the effect of a social emotional learning programme- the ECE-Peace Ambassador project (ECE-PAP) − on children’s (i) emotional intelligence, (ii) prosocial behaviour, (iii) aggressive behaviour with peers, (iv) and peer exclusion. Employing a quasi-experimental design, ECE-PAP was implemented in 16 schools in Hong Kong. In each school, teachers in one K3 class (4- to 5-year-olds) implemented the programme and a second K3 class served as a control (N=302). Multiple reporters (children, parents, and teachers) provided assessments of children’s emotional competence, social behaviour, aggressive behaviour, and responses to peer aggression the week before the programme, the week after, and three months later. Preliminary analyses showed that at pretest, children in the experimental condition showed lower emotional intelligence and less competent responses to peer aggression than controls. However, these differences disappeared by posttest and remained non-significant at follow-up. Children in the experimental condition showed increases from pre- to posttest in emotional intelligence, emotion labelling, and taking action to stop bullying, and decreases in avoidance and aggressive responses. Implementing the programme over a greater number of weeks was associated with more positive child outcomes. These results suggest that ECE-PAP may be an effective, cost-effective way to address aggressive behaviour in kindergarten classrooms by promoting children’s emotional intelligence and social skills

The Quest for ‘Common Prosperity’ in China

In early 2021, President Xi Jinping introduced a national goal of achieving “common prosperity,” which aims to reduce the yawning wealth gap between China’s rich and poor. At a time when China’s economy is slowing, the implementation of common prosperity involves an unprecedented effort to maintain domestic stability and social quiescence amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. The party-state has sought to avoid provoking public discontent by pooling regional funds for social protection programs rather than pursuing taxation-based redistribution among social classes.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING FIRMS PERFORMANCE IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examines sustainable development in manufacturing firms’ performance in Edo State, Nigeria. The purpose was to establish the association among social, economic and environmental developments on manufacturing firms in Edo State. The methodology utilized was the survey research proportions. The population comprised of top level employees of ten selected manufacturing firms registered with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Edo state, with international affiliation. A total of one hundred (100) employees of the ten selected manufacturing firms in the state, constituted the sample size. The purposive sampling technique was made use to choose ten (10) employees each from the designated manufacturing firms. Data analysis engaged was the descriptive and inferential statistics. The outcomes discovered that manufacturing firm’s social and economic developments were significant predictors of sustainable development among the manufacturing firms, in the State, while environmental development was insignificant. The study recommended that manufacturing firms should exemplify social development program as core values, it is also recommended, that they formulate and implement economic development policies that will foster the growth of their firms, the study concluded that firms should take proactive measures to minimize their environmental approach by adopting eco-friendly initiatives.

Organizing activities of student associations in higher education institutions of Russia and China

Introduction. Student associations of higher education institutions contribute to successful socialization and early professionalization. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that designing educational and upbringing programs for future bachelors and masters of social work at the university, great importance is to be attached to professionally focused student associations. The study aims to develop and test the authors' practice-oriented methodology for training future specialists in social work in the context of student associations of higher education institutions using the example of Russia and China. Materials and methods. To determine the readiness of students for professional activities in the context of student associations, the authors conducted a survey based on the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Kostroma State University; it lasted from September to December 2023 and involved 1-4 year students (100 people) specializing in social work. Research methods and techniques were: content analysis of documents, frequency analysis, observation, survey, questionnaires and experience generalization. Results. The authors’ methodology for organizing student associations activities was developed; psychological and pedagogical conditions necessary for the training of future bachelors of social work were experimentally tested and clarified. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of how student associations activities in universities in Russia and China are organized. The abovementioned authors' methodology helps students form meanings and values: professional experience (23.25%); communication with friends (19.77%); social support and assistance to people in difficult life situations (15.11%); participation and organization of work forms related to professional activity (12.79%); obtaining new knowledge (9.30%), emotions (4.65%); teamwork (6.98%); visiting professionally focused institutions (3.49%). Conclusion. The ‘Social Work’ educational program includes practices of the following student associations: Abilympics, PROVICH, Studaktiv, Student Scientific Community in the Social Work Training Program ‘#SR’, and Chinese Student Association of Kostroma State University. Organizing activities of student associations is held in accordance with the following pedagogical conditions: assistance of the head of the student association in searching for variability in professional self-determination; psychological and pedagogical conditions; organizational and pedagogical conditions (external): internal environment of student association’s activities (pedagogical potential: managerial, educational, existential); the level of comfort students enjoy when working in the student association program; external environment of the student association (social partners, employers, social protection institutions, etc.); as well as internal psychological and pedagogical conditions (subjective conditions that contribute to the formation of personal psychological mechanisms of professional development).

Moving Engagement Theory Forward: My Practical Insights on Activation's Centrality to Understanding Gender Differences in Discretionary Workplace Commitment

This article explores the concept of activation as a missing theoretical link for understanding gender differences in discretionary workplace commitment. Activation refers to an individual's readiness to take action and has been shown to influence engagement outcomes through its impact on effort and attention levels. The article first reviews key academic literature establishing engagement theory and the role of activation. It then shares real-world examples where activation helps explain observed gender differences in discretionary behaviors beyond basic job duties. Differences in situational job demands and available resources that differentially impact women's activation reserves are also examined. The article argues that conceptualizing engagement through an activation lens can help address why discrepancies occur and suggest impactful job redesign strategies. Recommendations focus on boosting activation for all employees through initiatives like flexible scheduling, social support programs, and inclusive cultures. The discussion proposes advancing engagement theory by considering the understudied yet important role of activation, particularly regarding gender.

Social Services Provided to Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Social Services is an essential part of the PHC procedures. This work prescribes the diversity of services supplied to support quality in health care services at PHC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods: The study comprised patients who got social services from the social services overflow unit at PHC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Frequency distribution patient and par shard altered to describe the study population, and par shard produced to explain details of services provided.Results: The social services unit served 411 patients, with 60% married and 80% widowed, 17% illiterate, and 66% had a housing adaptation for the sick and his family. 46.22% average, family support 40.14% good, and connection with the surrounding environment 42.10%, Social Services' Health Status 51.6% chronic sickness and 49.% anxiety, 67% low income, treatment recommendations for social services. Financial aid was provided to 53.5% of patients, 68.6% for procedures, and 31% for other services such as guidance and support.Conclusion: The social service program in PHC is an essential component of primary health care services. It promotes quality improvement in healthcare services. Social services can improve the quality of health care services provided in primary health care. And the same time helping patients to get improved access to health care services through counseling and financial aid. Social services also have a role in improving the awareness of family members of patients' conditions and determinants. Social services in PHCs realize the social responsibility of primary health care services towards the families of patients in the community.

Enhancing agency and empowering young people: The transformative impact of social and emotional learning programmes

BackgroundOver thirteen million people in the UK are currently living in poverty, and over four million are children (Department for Work and Pensions, 2022; Child Poverty Action Group, 2023). The Youth Futures Foundation (2021) argue that many young people do not have access to support or appropriate information to find employment or apply to further or higher education. ObjectiveThe purpose of this paper is to analyse young people’s experiences in a youth programme, adopting a Capabilities Approach (CA), to showcase how developing social and emotional learning (SEL) skills and competencies translates to tangible and powerful change in young people’s agency in their decisions.Participants and Setting.The research adopts a structured methodology focusing on the experiences of young people engaged in the programme in addition to parents, stakeholders and teachers. It investigated the benefits of the youth programmes, delivered across England and Wales in partnerships with other reputable organisations, for young people participating in the programme. MethodsThematic analysis was used to analyse data collected from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 66 individual participants. This analysis led to the development of two themes: ‘improving young people’s confidence and aspiration’ and‘preparing young people for the future’. ResultsEmpowering young people through a programme developing SEL contributes to enhancing their capabilities, which is essential in preparing young people for transition from education to work. Adopting this type of approach requires innovation and flexibility to ensure challenges (for example, COVID-19) do not derail progress and, instead, contribute to the development of safe environments and secure relationships. ConclusionsOrganisations who create a safe space and offer long-term SEL support, give young people the confidence to interact, access opportunities outside of the classroom and put forward their views and set aspirations for their future. This promotes a capability approach, which illustrates the importance of providing young people with opportunities for repeated active involvement in activities (or interventions) in creating active citizens who understand/recognise their aspirations and worth.

Menguatkan Ikatan Sosial Antar Suku Dan Solusi Untuk Ketidakaktifan Remaja Desa Niur Dusun 02 Kecamatan Sukaraja

Indonesia is a country rich in ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, which is both a strength and a challenge in maintaining social balance. This diversity requires special efforts to build strong social ties, especially among teenagers as the nation's next generation. This research aims to identify the problem of adolescent inactivity in inter-ethnic social activities and offer solutions to strengthen these social ties. Using a qualitative approach with a case study method in Niur Village, this research found that lack of motivation and access to inter-ethnic activities as well as stigma and stereotypes were the main factors causing adolescent inactivity. To overcome this problem, multicultural education approaches and inclusive social programs that encourage positive interactions between ethnic groups have proven effective in increasing youth participation and strengthening social cohesion. The results of this research show the important role of education, social programs, and changing perspectives in society to create a generation of teenagers who are more active, tolerant, and contribute positively to social cohesion in Indonesia.