Child Protection Month is in the spotlight, with the Western Cape Social Development Department sharpening its focus on child protection. Social Development MEC Jaco Londt says that during the month, they wish to highlight the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of children as enshrined in the Constitution.
MEC Jaco Londt, “We need to bring back the spirit of Ubuntu to communities, where your child is my child.”
Child Protection Month
He says when the department receives reports of alleged child abuse, it’s their responsibility to step in to ensure the safeguarding of the child. This could entail placing the children in a place of safety, whether with a safety parent or in a Child and Youth Care Centre. He says Designated Child Protection Organisations (DCPOs) also provide child protection services. At this time, the department currently funds 107 DCPOs across the province.
“This Child Protection Month I want to encourage people to protect children from harm, and report abuse to the police or DSD.”
MORE INFORMATION: Fostering children
The need for child protection services is growing
He says, year after year, they see the need for child protection services growing. MEC Londt says his department and the DCPOs are doing incredible life-saving work to safeguard vulnerable children. At the same time, he has stressed that they need the help of residents in the Province to help them.
“I also want to encourage people to consider becoming safety or foster parents, or volunteer at an NPO-run CYCC,” MEC Londt.
MEC Londt says there are currently over 42 000 children in the foster system. He says these children have either been placed with foster parents or are in a Cluster Foster Care Scheme. The latter is a system where multiple foster homes, managed by an NPO, are registered by the provincial head of social development to provide foster care for up to 6 children in a home environment.
MEC Londt concluded, ” There are many ways you can do your part in supporting all those children who are in need of love, care, and a safe place.”
For additional information, contact your nearest DSD local office. You can also call the toll-free number 0800 220 250 with your questions.
