by Jaco Londt
I know many people are already in the holiday spirit, but the stark reality is that amidst the joy and festivities, there are those for whom this season may not be a happy one.
The number of children in the foster system has increased.
In March 2021, there were 35 610 children in the foster system in the Western Cape. By the end of November 2024, there were 42 322.
These are children who have either been placed in foster care or places of safety by the Western Cape Department of Social Development, for varying reasons.
When the Department receives reports of alleged child abuse, social workers will investigate and ensure the safeguarding of the child, such as placing them in a place of safety. Designated Child Protection Organisations (DCPO) also provide child protection services.
One can look at the 42 322 children in two ways:
The Department has been able to safeguard over 40 000 children in need of care and protection, or many of these children were let down by their parents or guardians, leaving it to the Western Cape Government and DCPOs to step in.
To address the growing number of children in need of protection, the Department has strengthened its Child Protection Systems, such as revising its standard operating procedures to further enhance the management and movement of children in alternative care. The electronic Child Protection Register and Foster Care Management have continued to be integrated into child protection operations, for better tracking of children in the system.
The recent introduction of the Social Work Integrated Management System Application (SWIMS App) is lessening the administrative burden on social workers, to allow more time for therapeutic interventions for their clients, such as children in need. Over 24 000 cases have been loaded onto the app, and this number keeps growing as more social workers are utilising it. The vision is to have every social worker in the province using the app.
All of these interventions are aimed at making the lives of social workers a bit easier, and to ensure the safeguarding of vulnerable children.
But what happens when parents and guardians don’t do their part? Especially over the festive season.
Between 15 December 2023 and 01 January 2024, 8 children were reported as separated from their families on different beaches in the Cape Metro and reunited by DSD staff. DSD social service professionals assist municipal officials like those from the City of Cape Town to ensure children who are separated from their families are reunited with them.
Over the New Year’s weekend of 2022/2023 (31 December 2022 to 02 January 2023), 11 children had to be placed in places of safety by DSD officials after they were separated from their families at beaches across the Cape Metro and could not be timeously reunited. In these instances, as outlined in the law, the parents/guardians had to follow legal processes to be reunified with their children. A court may mandate the parent or guardian to participate in departmental parenting courses, so they may hopefully not make the same mistake again.
No one wants to spend their holiday in a courtroom over something that could have been avoided. More importantly, think of the trauma the child goes through during all of this.
Appeal to parents/guardians:
I want to appeal to parents and guardians to please keep an eye on your children, especially around a body of water. Avoid drinking at the beach or a public swimming pool because – not only is it illegal – it could place your child in danger as it impairs your judgment.
DSD has various programmes to ensure children are protected, like community-based prevention and early intervention services, child abuse prevention programmes, therapeutic counselling, and developmental services to support both the child and parent or guardian.
Earlier this year, we signed a historic Government-to-Government agreement with the United States of America through USAID, to elevate the provision of services for vulnerable children in this province, particularly those living with HIV, those with disabilities, and survivors of sexual violence. The aim is to build on this to bring more partners onboard to strengthen the safety net for the most vulnerable in our province.
But, once again, the safeguarding of children is not only government’s responsibility. It is a whole of society responsibility, starting with parents, guardians and caregivers.
I recently visited an NGO-run Child and Youth Care Centre in Moorreesburg funded by the WCG’s DSD. This CYCC provides a safe and loving home for orphaned, abused, or neglected children. Staff spoke about the need for volunteers for their holiday programme, where people can become weekend or holiday parents, following a vetting process.
This is just one of many organisations providing a place of safety for children in need. They work with the Department to ensure vulnerable children, like those who have been abused or neglected, are cared for and protected. If your family is in a position to open your homes and hearts to do something similar, please start the application process early for thorough vetting to be completed before the next holiday season.
We also have emergency, safety, and foster parents, who assist in this regard. But we need so many more, especially as the number of vulnerable children continues to rise.
Growing up, it was commonplace in our home to have children from all walks of life spending a holiday with us. My parents’ hearts were big enough for all of us, and my siblings and I greatly cherished these moments. My wish for this festive season is for more hearts to open towards vulnerable children.
Please contact your nearest DSD local office, or call the tollfree number 0800 220 250 for more information.
You can also find information here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/fostering-child
* Londt is Western Cape Minister of Social Development.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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