PURSUING A SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALISATION: A SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

After 1994 the South African government had to contend with the consequences of the forcesof globalisation in addition to meeting the challenges of nation building. The new democraticgovernment inherited a fragile economy burdened with large debt, slow economic growth,increasing unemployment rates and unacceptable levels of poverty (Padayachee, 2005:22).Constitutional imperatives called for a just and equitable society, a fundamental principle thatformed the basis for all future policies and legislation (RSA, 1996)

IDENTIFICATION AND INITIAL CARE PROCESS OF CHILD VICTIMS OF TRANSNATIONAL TRAFFICKING: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE

Child trafficking violates children’s rights and undermines their protection. Under-identification of child victims of trafficking has been reported to be a challenge globally and in South Africa. This article illustrates the process a social worker could apply when identifying child victims of transnational trafficking. Findings of the qualitative research reveal that there is no single point of entry for a trafficked child and thus there can be several actors in the identification process; it was also found that initial care and protection are also essential. The role of social workers in the identification-assessment-care process is highlighted.

534 Identification and initial care process of child victims of transnational trafficking: a social work perspective

Abstract: Child trafficking violates children’s rights and undermines their protection. Underidentification of child victims of trafficking has been reported to be a challenge globally and in South Africa. This article illustrates the process a social worker could apply when identifying child victims of transnational trafficking. Findings of the qualitative research reveal that there is no single point of entry for a trafficked child and thus there can be several actors in the identification process; it was also found that initial care and protection are also essential. The role of social workers in the identification-assessmentcare process is highlighted

IDENTIFICATION AND INITIAL CARE PROCESS OF CHILD VICTIMS OF TRANSNATIONAL TRAFFICKING: A SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE

Child trafficking violates children’s rights and undermines their protection. Under-identification of child victims of trafficking has been reported to be a challenge globally and in South Africa. This article illustrates the process a social worker could apply when identifying child victims of transnational trafficking. Findings of the qualitative research reveal that there is no single point of entry for a trafficked child and thus there can be several actors in the identification process; it was also found that initial care and protection are also essential. The role of social workers in the identification-assessment-care process is highlighted