Child protection is a collaborative effort
Home Affairs matter:
The Western Cape Department of Social Development wishes to remind the public that Child Protection is one of its primary responsibilities.
This is in light of the widely reported matter by Home Affairs of the removal of a minor from Ms Chidimma Adetshina’s mother’s care after she was detained.
The Department wishes to thank Home Affairs and the South African Police Service for the collaborative efforts to ensure the safeguarding of the child. DSD social workers regularly work with these entities in child protection efforts.
We cannot divulge any details about the matter, for the safety and wellbeing of the minor. We also ask the media to respect this and not reveal any further identifiers related to the child in their respective publications.
What is the Department’s mandate when it comes to child protection?
When it comes to child protection in general, if a child is at risk of abuse or neglect or other harm, the Department steps in to intervene and assists that child. Designated child protection social workers – whether from the Department or one of its funded Designated Child Protection Organisations (DCPOs) – conduct safety and risk assessments.
Depending on the outcome of the assessment, a social worker may perform an emergency removal and place the child in alternative care such as with a safety parent or in a Child and Youth Care Centre. This will be ratified by a magistrate in the Children’s Court within 48 hours. If the child was removed, the magistrate makes a ruling on the further placement of the child, while the child protection investigation is underway.
The social worker has three months to conduct their investigation. Findings and recommendations are then made to the Children’s Court, after which a magistrate makes a ruling on the child’s further placement – which could be back with the family, or in alternative care. Social workers also assist children with psychosocial support.
The criminal investigation, and any possible subsequent arrests, is conducted by the police.
Provincial Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “Social workers from the Department and DCPOs work extremely hard to safeguard children, but we need communities to work with us as well. I wish to use this opportunity to encourage people to become emergency, safety, or foster parents. There are many children in need of care in a loving and safe home. There are also child protection organisations that do amazing work to provide a safe space for vulnerable children. These organisations also need support, whether through volunteering of your time (like becoming a holiday parent) or donations.”
If you would like information on becoming a foster or safety parent, please call our toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office. You can also visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/fostering-child
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development