Witkoppen Clinic offers comprehensive care to children and families with innovative programmes

Witkoppen Clinic’s social services department is making a significant impact on the lives of children, families, and vulnerable individuals who face challenges everyday.

Under the guidance of Caroline Nkwana, the department is dedicated to implementing sustainable programmes that meet the unique needs of the community, with an overarching goal of fostering resilience and enhancing family well-being.

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The social services department is primarily driven by two key initiatives: the Child and Family Care programme and the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme. Each initiative is specifically designed to tackle the distinct challenges faced by local families.

The Child and Family Care programme focuses on providing support to families and protecting children’s rights. The program includes a variety of services such as intensive family support, home visits, crisis intervention, and parenting training.

Social workers play a vital role in assisting families dealing with issues such as trauma and mental health challenges. The programme seeks to strengthen family relationships, helping them cope with conflicts and crises while nurturing communication and emotional stability.

Nkwana emphasises that the aim of these initiatives extends beyond temporary relief. “By reinforcing family bonds and offering preventive services, we aim to reduce the number of children entering the foster care system.”

In tandem with the Child and Family Care programme, the OVC programme, led by Busisiwe Nyoni, addresses the needs of children living in difficult circumstances, particularly in informal settlements.

Nyoni highlights the programme’s comprehensive approach, which focuses not only on meeting physical needs like food security but also on improving the economic and psychosocial conditions for families.

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The OVC programme has several objectives, including combating HIV/AIDS stigma through education and community outreach, providing skills development workshops for children, and offering psychosocial support. By empowering caregivers and families, the programme aims to foster self-sufficiency in the community.

“I am deeply passionate about the OVC programme. These children need to be shown love, and I will always lead with love,” said Nyoni.

The Witkoppen Clinic has partnerships with local organisations, schools, and government agencies, ensuring a holistic approach to service delivery.

Each counselling session, support group meeting, and home visit contributes to the formation of healthier family units, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the region.

“We are proud of the progress we have made, however, there is still so much more to do. With the unwavering dedication of our social workers and community partners, we will continue to be a beacon of hope for those in need,” said Nkwana.

As the social services department forges ahead, its commitment to providing high-quality care and support remains steadfast, determined to make sure that no individual or family feels isolated in their struggles.

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