An exploration of the role of child and youth care workers during the April 2022 floods in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Flooding has become a global issue, affecting countries worldwide, leading to significant humanitarian crises. This disaster occurs when excessive water overflows onto land, often due to intense rainfall, melting snow, or powerful storms along coastlines. They rank among the most common and destructive catastrophic events, posing significant threats to human settlements, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Natural disasters such as floods significantly impact the lives and environments of people, leading to substantial socio-economic and environmental repercussions. They also threaten the well-being and safety of children and families, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new ones. In addition, the growing frequency and impact of flood events underscore the need for enhanced preparedness measures and adaptive response strategies to mitigate vulnerability. Social service professionals can make a substantial contribution to facilitating recovery and stability among affected populations. This study seeks to examine the specific contributions of professionals in child and youth care work in aiding young people and their families affected by floods. Although research has explored the responsibilities of these practitioners in various life contexts, there has been limited investigation into their significant contributions to providing support and assistance during flooding to affected populations. The study focuses on investigating the involvement of these workers during the April 2022 floods. A qualitative approach was taken to understand the perspectives of fifteen child and youth care professionals. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the roles played by child and youth care workers during the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) floods, particularly regarding their services during and after the floods. Participants were identified and recruited through the National Association of Child and Youth Care Workers (NACCW). Non-probability sampling methods, purposive sampling was used to select a minimum of fifteen (15) participants. Data was collected until saturation. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to obtain data. Data collection involved using an interview guide for this research. The raw data from the samples was analysed using thematic analysis. The researcher took great care to uphold ethical considerations, maintaining research integrity and validity. The data collected revealed five significant themes, which led to the emergence of twelve sub-themes. The five (5) significant themes were as follows: (1) the impact and effects of floods, (2) the destruction of child and family life, (3) children and family protection, (4) response and intervention strategies and (5) training and preparedness. The study highlighted the crucial role of child and youth care practitioners in enhancing the well-being and stability of young individuals and families. Findings highlighted their vital role in advocating for and meeting the needs of young people during a flood disaster. This research also revealed that these professionals provided crucial psychosocial support, fostering resilience and the coping mechanisms of victims and their families.