Social Workers’ Values and Child Protection Interventions in Kajiado North Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to explore the influence of social worker values on Child protection interventions in Kajiado North Sub-County. It was guided by eclectic theory and used mixed method design, specifically convergent parallel. Census was used for two categories while for the rest purposive and random sampling techniques were used. 223 respondents were selected; 9 administrators, 18 social workers, 183 Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children (OVCs) sampled and 16 key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides, focused group discussion guides and key informants guides. Quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS and presented by use of descriptive statistics while qualitative was done using thematic concepts and verbatim expressions. The results indicated that the major social work values(service, social justice, Dignity and worth of the child, Importance of human relationships, and Competence) influenced appropriate child protection interventions and social worker’s attitude is key and compliments them. For OVCs social worker fighting for their rights, going an extra mile to help them, respecting their opinion and giving them room to decide on matters concerning themselves was very important to them. The recommendations include; social workers, need to make deliberate efforts to engage children, show them love, care, understanding and treat them like their own children; Employers should engage professional social workers since children are sensitive and require a social worker with the right training, experience, attitude, character and conduct; obtain regular feedback from OVCs and ensure they undertake background check to establish social workers suitability to work with children.