Your child has been taken, now what?
Cases of children being taken from their parents raise questions of how such a situation can be dealt with.
Cases of children being taken away from their parents by other family members recently have been brought to the News’ attention.
Several parents have come forward with stories of how their children were taken from them.
One mother has not seen her children in over nine weeks and another fears for her grandchild’s life, and they say no one wants to help.
After the guardians, whether related to the children or not, told the News their stories, the News asked how a matter like this can be handled.
The News spoke to Reinette Steyn, a social worker at the Krugersdorp Society for Child and Family Welfare, and she referred to the Children’s Act.
“There is always more than one side to a story, and one should be very careful when working with children. Their safety is our top priority,” she said.
According to her when your children have been taken from you by the other parent or another family member, you should fill out a Form Two at the nearest court.
“A Form Two lets you communicate the situation you are in along with the details of the relevant parties,” she explained.
Also read:
• A lifeline for child protection
The court then will decide the way forward and refer the case to a social worker who will investigate further.
According to Sergeant Thsepiso Mashale, Krugersdorp Police’s spokesperson, the police can not do anything without a warrant of arrest.
Reinette urges someone in a this situation to contact a social worker immediately for advice.
Contact the Krugersdorp Society for Child and Family Welfare on 011 953 1908/9.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 435 3799.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Roodepoort Record and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
