Referring to Walsh’s theoretical framework of family resilience while taking into account China’s own cultural and institutional context, this study discussed the process of resilience generation in Chinese families of children with ASD. A qualitative approach was taken, using narrative research on 10 Chinese families of children with ASD. Category-content analysis of the data suggests that the generation of resilience in Chinese families of children with ASD is influenced by four factors: (A) cultivating positive family beliefs; (B) adjustment of the family’s organizational pattern; (C) extending external resources positively; and (D) optimizing family communication. Unlike family resilience generation mechanisms in Western countries that emphasize religious beliefs, intrinsic traits, and resources, the resilience of Chinese families of children with ASD is based on a family value system based on a sense of responsibility and the application of internal and external family resources, which is undoubtedly related to China’s long-standing emphasis on collectivist culture. This study has theoretical reference value for the implementation of related social work services.

This qualitative study aims to explore the lives of homeless people around Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia especially in the social support aspect of their lives. Twenty (20) informants were involved in this study. Data obtained were analyzed using the content analysis method. The results showed that the homeless were classified as those who had given up hope. Lack of social support resources makes the homeless' lives to be drifted and then further triggers risky behaviour changes. The feelings of isolation and neglect caused the homeless to decide not to have any kind of relationship with their nuclear family. This study has the potential to contribute to the knowledge of social marginalization issues affecting homeless people in Malaysia in general and especially in Georgetown, Penang as well as its implications for the survival and sustainability of these minorities' lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought rapid change and adversely affected the economy. The vulnerable poor are among the most affected communities. Kampung Topeng is a portrait of economically vulnerable people. As a community-based social rehabilitation area for beggars, its implementation is from November 2016 to the present. The program was designated as a successful national empowerment pilot project because they turned beggars into no longer doing begging activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the direction of government social policy to focus on health. This reality changes the life activities of the beneficiaries. On the other hand, it is still economically dependent on the program. This condition certainly requires extraordinary effort, and a strategy is needed to meet the needs of family life. The results are based on in-depth interviews with 30 family heads. The survival strategies are by the informant's mindset about income in meeting the needs of family life. This strategy is also back grounded experience before occupying a social rehabilitation zone. The study's findings could provide a valuable basis for formulating the implementation of social services for the vulnerable poor, particularly beggars during pandemic times.

There are adequate discussions in literatures to define and discuss homelessness and the homeless. One definition of a homeless is an individual who does not have a permanent dwelling, but live on the streets or at shelters as temporary arrangements. Homelessness is due to several factors, which is also adequately discussed in the literatures. Being homeless, usually gives a negative perception on the wellbeing and social functionality of the homeless individual. This study aims to understand the pertinent issues from the perspective of the homeless. Primary data for this qualitative study were gathered through in-depth interviews of 20 homeless respondents in Penang. The study findings indicate that the underlying causes of homelessness are varied with the main ones being financial and family problems; and alcohol and drug related. Addressing these underlying causes is best way to address the homelessness problem in a more sustainable manner. Some strategies to reduce the number of homeless population based on the study include to better coordinate distribution of free food to reduce overdependence by the homeless, free housing if the case merits it and finally the need for more professional or qualified social workers who can work more closely with the population to empower them to lead a normal life and be less dependent on free handouts.

No abstract