Abstract
M.A.
Statistics show an increase in the number of cases of abused and neglected
children handled by the Child Protection Unit. These particular statistics
indicate only the number of reported cases, which according to Lewis (1999)
and Starke (1995) should be tripled to estimate the true number of children
being abused every day.
Action research was selected for this study to assist the parents and the
children in extending their understanding of their situation and thus resolve
problems that confront them. A high percentage of parents are aware that
abuse and neglect exists in their relationships; they are also aware that
behavioural problems may be exhibited by their children as a result of exposure
to abuse and neglect. There is a growing need for counselling, guidance and
support amongst the youth to be assertive, and be safe in their contexts.
The psycho-education programme was based on the model of psychoeducation.
Psycho-education as an alternative does not focus on sick or
abnormal behaviour but rather has as its core a preventative focus-training in
skills to solve problems now and in the future. During group work the children
were trained to collectively experience, explore and communicate their feelings,
and to learn alternative ways of dealing with abuse and neglect in their different
contexts.
The programme's effectiveness was evaluated. All the children acquired
prevention concepts after the exposure to the programme. Fifty six percent of
the parents observed some improvement in their children's behaviour, and
eighty percent of the children reported that they were still afraid to talk to their
parents about issues of discipline, for example corporal punishment.