Employers urged to verify employees on the child protection register

THE Department of Social Development has appealed to employers across the country to verify the suitability of employees who work with children against the Child Protection Register (CPR). The announcement was made during Child Protection Week after the Department claimed that levels of child abuse, neglect and exploitation in South Africa were unacceptably high.

The purpose of the CPR is to ensure that children are protected from abuse. Employers or potential employers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

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It is also the responsibility of parents to ensure that those entrusted with the care of their children such as child minders and early childhood development practitioners, including volunteers in childcare facilities, are suitable to work with children. This will ensure that the right people are chosen to work with children.

The Department said to date, 9 153 reported cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation existed on the Child Protection Register. The register has 509 names of persons declared unsuitable to work with children. As at the end of March this year, the Department had received 140 029 suitability check enquiries from employers and individuals.

Visit: www.gcis.gov.za.

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