SOCIAL WORKERS

his study is on the Role of Social Workers in Addressing Domestic Violence in Benin City, Edo State. The study population consisted of undergraduate students, and the sample was drawn using the Stratified Random Sampling method. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire, chosen for it's efficiency in reaching a larger number of respondents within a shorter timeframe. Content validity was employed to ensure the instruments validity, with experts and professionals in the field contributing to the process. A Test-retest Reliability approach was applied to assess the instruments reliability. The primary method of data collection was the questionnaire, which was personally distributed to respondent's, with the researcher providing guidance on the completion process. The analysis of the collected data involved using basic percentages and presenting them in tables displaying frequency distribution. Social workers provide immediate support during crisis, offering a calm presence and guidance on accessing emergency services as they facilitate access to shelters and safe house, allowing victims to escape abusive environments and find temporary refuge.

This study examined the role of social workers in the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The research aimed to assess the extent of social workers’ involvement in child protection, evaluate the adequacy of interventions provided to abused and neglected children, explore preventive strategies adopted, and identify challenges hindering effective service delivery. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and utilized structured questionnaires administered to 100 respondents, including social workers, caregivers, parents, and children. Data were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency distributions. Findings revealed that social workers play critical roles in identifying, rescuing, counseling, and advocating for the rights of abused and neglected children. They also engage in preventive efforts through community sensitization, parental education, and collaboration with schools, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. However, the study found that long-term rehabilitation and reintegration programs are often inadequate due to insufficient funding, shortage of trained personnel, cultural resistance, and weak institutional support. The study concludes that while social workers contribute significantly to child protection in Egor LGA, their effectiveness is constrained by systemic and cultural challenges. It recommends increased government funding, professional training, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based awareness campaigns to strengthen child welfare systems and enhance the preventive capacity of social workers.

The study assessed the impact of the community based mental health programme on youths development in Ekosodin Community, Benin City. The population of the study comprised four hundred (400) respondents who are youths between the ages of 18 to 35 years who have lived in Ekosodin community in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research method/design
used for the study was survey research. The data collected from the respondents were used for data analysis through simple descriptive statistics namely, simple percentage, frequency count and mean rating. The findings of the research concluded that there are many factors that contribute to the incidence of mental health challenges among youths of Ekosodin community such as peer pressure, substance abuse, unemployment, financial problems, family challenges, lack of parental guidance etc. The community based mental health programme has a significant impact on youth development in Ekosodin community, Benin
City. There are many limitations to the community based mental health programme in Ekosodin Community such as lack of financing to sustain mental health programming, stigma and discrimination and lack of community awareness which impairs the effectiveness of the community based mental health programme. Social workers play a significant role in the successful implementation and effectiveness of mental health programming by helping to ascertain who needs special programmes, joining forces with other professionals in the implementation of mental health programming, bridging the gap between the community and mental health service providers and increasing effectiveness and sustainability of community based mental health programmes. Based on these findings, it was suggested that the government and other stakeholders increase funding and material resources for the community based mental health programme in Ekosodin. Increased financial resources will
support what is currently being done, allow for trained professionals to be hired, and create modern counselling and therapy spaces for the youths.

This study investigates the impact of depression on adolescents and explores the role of school social workers in addressing this mental health issue in secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Depression among adolescents has become a growing concern due to its adverse effects on academic performance, behavior, and social relationships. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of depression among adolescents, identify its major causes, and examine the availability and effectiveness of school social workers in managing students' mental health challenges. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire which included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression levels. A total of 370 students from selected secondary schools in Egor LGA participated in the study. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and the Chi-square statistical tool to test for significant differences. Findings revealed that 63.5% ofrespondents experienced symptoms of depression ranging from mild to severe. The leading causes of depression included academic pressure, family conflicts, social isolation, and financial difficulties. Female students were found to exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to male students. Furthermore, the study found that the presence of school social workers was limited, and their role in managing adolescent depression was underutilized due to staffing shortages and lack of awareness. The study concludes that depression significantly affects adolescents in secondary schools, and that there is a pressing need to strengthen mental health support systems, particularly by increasing the presence and functionality of school social workers

The study investigated determinants and consequences of economic vulnerability among the elderly in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to investigate and highlight the determinants and consequences of economic vulnerability among the elderly in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State. The research questions asked to achieve the objective of the study were as follows; What are the challenges faced by the elderly in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State. What are the determinants of economic vulnerability among elderly in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State. What are the health-related consequences of Economic Vulnerability among elderly in Lokoja metropolis, Kogi State. The sample size was 294 participants chosen from the study population using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling, the research instrument utilized was the questionnaire. Conclusion drawn from the analysis of the data retrieved from the questionnaire indicates that the elderly in particular require not just special care, but special facilities to make life meaningful and comfortable. Social workers are professional caregivers hence their involvement in caring for the elderly. Aside from the care, support and advice needed by the elderly and provided by social workers, there are some institutional mechanism which government needs to put in place to cushion the effects of economic vulnerability among the elderly. Recommendations were made based on the findings and they include: The government should take active and concrete measures towards implementing a viable social welfare programme for the elderly both at the federal, state and local government levels. This would ensure uniformity in implementation and Professional social workers must be encouraged to widen their operation horizon to accommodate the elderly.