The Roles and Challenges of Social Workers Working in the Judicial System of Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The need for social workers involvement in the judicial system of Ethiopia is growing. However, little is knownabout the roles they play and the challenges they face in these settings. With this in mind, this study aimed toexplore the general roles of social work practitioners and the challenges they face in the judicial system ofJimma zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. We collected data using qualitative semi-structured interviews witheleven purposively selected participants at two court centres in Jimma zone. We used thematic analysisapproach to guide data analysis and interpretation. Findings reveal that social workers play significant roles inassisting courts to expand and deliver judicial services for vulnerable populations, especially children involvedin legal matters. To this effect, social workers carry-out multifaceted roles, such as intermediaries (facilitatingcommunication between the child and court), assessors (conducting assessment on the child‘s social history andreporting to the court), and referral and linkage (connecting the child with service networks), among others.The study identified a lack of legislative framework that guides the practice of social work in legal settings,shortage of resources, social workers‘ limited practice skills in legal matters, and low public awareness aboutsocial work practice as major challenges facing social workers. This study suggests the institutionalization andlegal recognition of social work within the judicial system to strengthen and expand the judicial practice andlegal services for vulnerable groups, particularly children and youth.