PERAN PEKERJA SOSIAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEBERFUNGSIAN SOSIAL ANAK DI UPT PERLINDUNGAN DAN PELAYANAN SOSIAL PETIRAHAN ANAK (PPSPA) BATU

The Child Protection and Social Services Unit of Batu (PPSPA) Lightning Shelter is an institution under the auspices of the East Java Social Department, established with the aim of assisting elementary school-age children experiencing social functioning problems. In this institution, children receive intervention from social workers through a carefully designed program to help them regain their social functioning according to their age. The purpose of this research is to further identify the role of social workers in improving the social functioning of children and gain a more detailed understanding of the programs used to enhance the social functioning of children. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection is carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Meanwhile, data analysis is conducted using qualitative data analysis based on Miles and Huberman's theory, including data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. To validate the data collected, this research uses a credibility test. The results of the study show that (1) The social functioning issues of children at UPT include unmet basic needs, inability to interact, inability to perform child roles, and dependence. (2) The roles of social workers used to improve the social functioning of children are educators and counselors, followed by guidance in social life, guidance in learning abilities, and guidance in religious life.