VIDEO: Falling through the cracks – Carte Blanche features Cradle of Hope

A local shelter, the Cradle of Hope recently featured in a Carte Blanche exclusive where the focus was on issues surrounding the Department of Social Development and the community structures tasked to look after the vulnerable.

On Sunday, 9 May, Carte Blanche, screened a segment titled ‘Defending Lebo: Social Welfare Unwell’. The story followed a young girl, *Lebo, who was orphaned at only seven months old. She grew up with her stepfather who not only sexually abused her for most of her life, but also allowed others to do the same.

When she finally decided to escape the abusive situation at 15, Carte Blanche followed her story and the help she was receiving.

Carte Blanche’s Derek Watts reported that after being found on the streets it was difficult to find a place of safety for Lebo.

The Cradle of Hope is a place of safety for abused mothers and children, and even though they are not legally permitted to take in children they opened their doors to help Lebo when there was nowhere else to turn.

The Cradle of Hope’s social worker, Hazel Basson, also stepped in to see if they could get help for the young girl. After being turned away at every corner, Lebo was sent back home.

The News checked in with the Cradle of Hope after the segment had aired. Melodie van Brakel, the founder of the Cradle of Hope said they were frustrated and desperate because as sad as Lebo’s story is, it is just one of many they have to deal with.

She said they don’t know which where to turn to for assistance for those vulnerable children, and believed the number of cases could sometimes be overwhelming for social workers struggling without recourses.

Adding to the frustration is the fact that safe houses and orphanages are filling up. Many people had been hit hard by Covid-19 and this has resulted in people not being able to foster children anymore.

Candice Ellison, general manager of the Cradle of Hope said it was frustrating being sent from pillar to post and not getting help for desperate and sometimes abused children.

She asked the rhetorical question whether if it was fair to expect of the children to be patient in their abusive circumstances, until someone got to attend to their case.

Hazel also voiced her frustration and said as social work professionals they have an obligation to ensure social justice and treat their clients with dignity.

“It is disgusting that everybody is not on the same page,” she said, adding that people should stop passing the buck, and rather put effort into creating resources and employing people who can help the children.

At the end of the segment viewers were informed that they were still trying to get hold of Lebo after she had been sent back. But like Lebo many other children will fall through the cracks.

Watch the segment by clicking here.