The social department is the first point of contact for all our clients arriving at the Centre except those referred by ambulance by the varying hospitals. These are first seen by the nursing department before they have their social interview. The social worker conducts a social history assessment which takes into account the families economic and community status.

This department conducts home assessments within Monze and when necessary in the rural areas where we deliver services. On occasions home assessment are conducted in liaison with the Social Welfare Officer.

Community integration and the spearheading of community Income Generating Activities (IGA) falls under their remit. The was initially piloted in Monze central but was extended to Chikuni, Chivuna and St.

Mary’s. In these areas parents enrolled in our home based programme are facilitated with ‘start up’ income to implement their project i.e. goat or pig rearing.

The Social Worker along with other team members of the out reach programme work in close cooperation with the community development worker and the

CWAC in each area. When conducting community based services it is imperative that all concerned receive information and can assist in its dissemination. An important part of this programme is meeting with chiefs and local headmen in each area to educate and inform them of the need for such services and to promote their continuous involvement through local community meetings which assists in the reduction of stigma attached to disability. Re integration of clients who initially would be dependent on the centre for all their basic needs are assisted back into community life.

This may be assistance with building of a small house, or assisting with setting up a small business i.e. knitting or tailoring. All children are entitled to an education but children with disabilities are often not encouraged to attend for schooling. We therefore try and assist with school fees once a child has been provided with a school placement.

Social counseling and matters pertaining to allegations of any form of abuse as well as the Centre’s statistice are carried out by this department.