No decline in childcare related issues

VRYHEID Child Welfare said there seemed to be no decline in childcare related issues on their statistics so far.

As part of the South African Department of Social Development’s celebration of Child Protection Week, which started on May 31 and will end on June 7, community issues such as child care, abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and many other cases concerning children in various communities are highlighted.

According to child welfare, they dealt with 20 cases in the “Child care related” column between April and May last year and there have been no changes to this number in the year 2015.

Among these issue, the two that stand out are financial problems and foster care applications.

Another case that seems to be showing a significant rise is the neglect of children.

“We are sometimes contacted by concerned teachers in some schools informing us about children who do not seem to be getting proper care. Some go to school dirty and it can be as bad as some not getting anything to eat at home before going to school,” said Carol Ellenberger.

Reducing the high levels of violence and neglect against children is among South Africa’s most overwhelming tasks and every community member is encouraged to do their bit in helping to take care of these kings and queens of tomorrow.