Aduné Middleton

I am a Registered Social Worker with experience in statutory child protection, Children's Court proceedings, medical social work, and therapeutic intervention with children and families. I currently serve as a Risk and Court Social Worker at Badisa Tygerberg, where I conduct statutory investigations, complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments, prepare Children's Court reports, and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children. My passion has always been working with children.

Alongside my statutory role, I am currently specialising in Play Based Intervention (Play Therapy) through Humanitas, expanding my therapeutic skills to better support children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, grief, behavioural difficulties, and family disruption. I believe that healing begins by creating safe, trusting relationships where children feel heard, understood, and empowered. My professional experience includes conducting risk assessments, preparing court documentation, crisis intervention, family preservation services, foster care assessments, reunification planning, counselling, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

During my clinical placement at Groote Schuur Hospital, I developed valuable experience in oncology, palliative care, renal services, and psychosocial support within a multidisciplinary healthcare setting. I am known for my professionalism, empathy, attention to detail, and ability to build strong therapeutic relationships with children and families. I am passionate about delivering ethical, evidence-based interventions that place the best interests of the child at the centre of every decision.

Risk & Court Social Worker - Badisa Tygerberg

(2025-01)

• Conduct statutory investigations in terms of the Children's Act 38 of 2005.
• Complete comprehensive psychosocial and risk assessments involving allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, substance abuse, parental mental illness and family conflict.
• Prepare Children's Court reports, including Form 36, Form 38 and Section 155 reports, making recommendations in the best interests of children.
• Present evidence and professional recommendations before the Children's Court.
• Develop safety plans, reunification plans and permanency plans for vulnerable children and families.
• Conduct announced and unannounced home visits, parenting capacity assessments and placement monitoring.
• Facilitate emergency removals where children are found to be at immediate risk.
• Work collaboratively with SAPS, the Department of Social Development, schools, hospitals, psychologists, psychiatrists, attorneys and Child and Youth Care Centres.
• Provide crisis intervention, supportive counselling and family preservation services.
• Maintain comprehensive statutory documentation while managing a high-volume child protection caseload.

Final-Year Student Social Worker - Groote Schuur Hospital

(2024-01 - 2024-12)

Completed over 600 hours of clinical social work training within a multidisciplinary tertiary healthcare setting.

• Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and developed intervention plans.
• Provided counselling and psychosocial support to patients and families experiencing chronic illness, grief and life-limiting diagnoses.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and discharge planning.
• Assisted patients with accessing community resources and grant support.
• Supported patients with treatment adherence and adjustment to diagnosis.

Student Social Worker - Leliebloem Child and Youth Care Centre

(2023-01 - 2023-12)

Completed a 200-hour practical placement within a Child and Youth Care Centre, working with children aged 4–18 years who had experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, and family disruption.

• Conducted individual support sessions with children using age-appropriate and child-centred approaches.
• Planned and facilitated life skills and psychoeducational group programmes.
• Implemented micro, mezzo, and macro social work interventions under professional supervision.
• Participated in case management and multidisciplinary planning for children in residential care.
• Supported family interventions aimed at strengthening relationships and promoting children's wellbeing.
• Collaborated with Child and Youth Care Workers and other professionals to ensure holistic service delivery.
• Designed and implemented the Post Box Project, an anonymous communication initiative that encouraged children to safely disclose concerns, request assistance, and provide feedback, strengthening children's participation and safeguarding practices within the Child and Youth Care Centre.

Speech Therapy Assistant (Part-time) - Dalene Maree Speech Therapy

(2025-01)

Provided therapeutic support to children under the supervision of a registered Speech Therapist while seeking full-time employment.

• Assisted with structured speech and language intervention programmes.
• Reinforced communication and language development through play-based activities.
• Supported children in achieving individual therapeutic goals.
• Built positive therapeutic relationships while encouraging participation and confidence.

Private Tutor - Private

(2020-01 - 2024-12)

Provided one-on-one academic support to high school and university students across a range of subjects.

• Assisted students with academic planning, research, and assignment writing.
• Adapted teaching methods to suit individual learning needs.
• Developed strong communication, mentoring, and problem-solving skills.

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work - University of the Western Cape (2021-01 - 2024-12)

National Senior Certificate - Bredasdorp High School (2019-12)