May is Child Protection Month and the provincial Department of Social Development is ramping up its awareness-raising initiatives.
The department is also using the opportunity to spotlight the rights of children as enshrined in Section 28 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
“Some adults forget that children have rights too, and it is the responsibility of institutions such as the Western Cape Department of Social Development to step in when these rights are infringed,” said Sharna Fernandez, provincial minister of Social Development.
“Section 28 states every child has the right ‘to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation’. Parents and guardians, you are responsible for your children, and where you may need support the department’s team can assist.”
The social development department offers a range of services to assist families and ensure the protection of children, including early prevention and intervention programmes.
According to Fernandez, unfortunately many little ones are let down at home by their parents or guardians. Between April and December last year, the department recorded 2 603 cases of deliberate neglect, 2 801 cases of emotional and physical abuse, and 2 415 cases of sexual abuse.
These cases require the completion of Form 22 of the Children’s Act. Departmental staff or designated child protection organisations step in to protect the well-being and dignity of these vulnerable children.
“But it is unacceptable that we have parents, guardians and caregivers who callously ignore the rights of a child,” Fernandez said. “All children deserve love, care and protection, but government cannot do this alone. When children are failed by their parents or guardians the whole society is needed to step in and support,” she said.
“What we need is more kind and caring members of society raising their hands to become safety or foster parents. If you can give a vulnerable child a safe and caring home, I encourage you to contact the department for more information.”
By the end of March there were 40 043 children in the foster system.
If a child has been abused, deliberately neglected or exploited they may be placed in foster care following a court order. This is to provide temporary care and protection until the child can be reunified with their original family. There are also safety parents that provide temporary care of no more than six children for up to 90 days. Emergency parents provide temporary safe care for between 24 and 48 hours.
- If you are a child or a parent who needs help, or you would like information on becoming a foster or safety parent, contact the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250, visit your nearest department local office or go to www.westerncape.gov.za/service/fostering-child.
