Child welfare to charge for these services
Though the mediation services will be charged, there is no fixed price.
MEDIATION services will, as of January 2018, be charged for at Child Welfare Kempton Park.
“This is a specialised service which involves assisting parents to come to an agreement (parenting plan) on primary care and visitation rights between themselves and their children,” said Makha Thusi, director at Child Welfare Kempton Park.
“Mediation is highly demanding and time-consuming and is unfortunately not funded by the Department of Social Development (DSD).”
The organisation receives a 75 per cent subsidy from DSD towards operational costs and other services.
“The organisation is expected to fund-raise for the outstanding 25 per cent, which is very difficult due to current ‘donor fatigue’. This has, therefore, prompted the organisation to start charging clients for mediation services.”
Thusi added that the change would also enable the organisation to afford to send its social workers for further training.
“Our social workers will be able to attend workshops and conferences with the aim of developing their skills and competence in this specialised programme. This will equip them with up-to-date skills and knowledge which will enable them to efficiently, effectively and appropriately assist clients.
“The charge for mediation will be worked out following rigorous client Income Based Assessments (IBA).
“We advise clients who require this service to not only think of the cost but its value on the best interest of the child.”
For more information, contact the organisation on 011 970 1814.
