How to spot vulnerable children in communities
To report any cases of child neglect or abuse contact the Benoni Child Welfare on 011 849 5241
The Benoni Child Welfare is calling on community members to assist in protecting vulnerable children in societies.
According to Israel Sekgale, a social worker at Benoni Child Welfare, vulnerable children as described in Section 150 of the Children’s Act 38/2005 are children that are said to need care and protection.
“Community plays a very big role in child protection as most events occur at their watch and not that of the officials.
“Community members should assist in holding each other accountable by reporting any events of abuse or suspected abuse towards children in their areas. That can be done anonymously by reporting the events with the address to the local social workers or SAPS.
Sekgale said it becomes difficult when community members shy away from the responsibility of reporting child abuse or neglect.
Examples of how the community can spot vulnerable children:
• Children that don’t seem to be going to school
• Children that are often seen without adult supervision
• Children that look dirty
• Children that are known to be abused by parents
• Children with no adequate food, hygiene
Sekga shared that stakeholders that work within child protection are social work organisations, Department of Social Development, SAPS, clinics or hospitals, crisis centres at SAPS, and CYCCs/children’s homes.
“Child Protection Organisations (CPO) are organisations registered with the Department of Social Development (DSD) as prescribed by the Children’s Act 38/2005.
“These organisations have statutory powers thus render social work services to ensure child protection in the areas designated to them by the DSD. Social workers are the key role players in this kind of organisation.
“The role of social workers in CPOs is to protect the children and promote their safety and well-being in all means necessary as guided by the Children’s Act,” said Sekgale.
He added that some of the cases that they work with in CPOs range from physically/emotionally/sexually abused children, raped children, orphaned children, children using substances, neglected children with no proper care from parents, children with parents involved in domestic violence and children with parents abusing substances.
To report any cases of child neglect or abuse contact the Benoni Child Welfare on 011 849 5241 or visit their office on Third Avenue, Northmead.
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