Protect society’s most vulnerable

Christelike Maatskaplike Raad (CMR) Gauteng East has shared their views about the safety of children who are among the most vulnerable members of our society.

“Just recently Poppie van der Merwe’s parents were sentenced for abusing and killing the little girl. This tragedy could have perhaps been prevented had the community stepped in and alerted the authorities, steps could have been taken and the child removed to safety,” said Henda van der Merwe, director of CMR Gauteng East.

“A child whose life is in danger should be removed to a place of safety, and from there to a foster home/family.

“This is not the end of the road for the parents, as foster care has the desired outcome of reuniting the child with the biological parents.”

Van der Merwe explained that removing a child does not necessarily mean the family will never see the child again, which is the perception social workers come across.

“This perception often means community members are failing a child who needs to be removed from a bad situation for his own sake. People are just too scared to become involved.”

What more should be done to protect children? Tweet @MidrandReporter

Also check out:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/180556/africa-check-levels-child-sexual-abuse-sa-even-higher-activist-claimed/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/184859/africa-check-sa-pupils-bullied-world/

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/196268/child-protection-week-child-abduction-real-threat/