Abstract
M.A. (Social Work)
The lack of relevant therapeutic programmes suitable for
pre-school children staying in children's homes became
apparent whilst the researcher was working in children's
homes, as well as during discussions with colleagues. The
inability of the pre-school child to converse fluently
leads to a continuous search for quality interventions. In
an attempt to resolve this need, two therapeutic
programmes namely Viola Brody (1975) Developmental Touch
Therapy Programme as well as a developmental group work
programme developed by the researcher are implemented in a
children's home.
An exploratory, evaluating study, with two groups of four
pre-school children each, are conducted in a children's
home. An adapted experimental design is used to compare
the results of the two groups. The children's behaviour
are monitored and reported on in case studies. A singlesystem
design is used to arrange the data, compare the two
groups with each other and to monitor individual behaviour
changes.
The study is an exploratory probe into the viability /
workableness and effectiveness of the two interventions
with pre-school children in a children's home. The
objective is to establish whether the programmes can be
implemented in a children's homes and whether it will
lead to a change in the general functioning of the
children involved.
The study concluded that both programmes is viable /
workable. In addition, the Developmental Touch Therapy
programme prove effective in the development of self
concept as well as improving their general functionality,
especially in developing positive behaviour. The
developmental group work programme is marginal successful
in respect of developing positive behaviour but
unsuccessful in developing self concept.