Places of safety create safe harbour

After a recent incident where a woman kidnapped her own daughter (6) and a relative (2), the question was asked: “How is it possible to kidnap a child from a place of safety?”

Henry Harber from Wild Wild Guardians says these two children were placed with family where their mother had free access to the children.

“It is difficult to kidnap a child from any place of safety,” he says adding that there are strict guidelines and security measures in place.

“We cannot rule out the fact that some parents will try to kidnap their children,” says Harber.

He has experienced parents manipulating their children at school and on social media to try and get them back.

“Children are vulnerable and easily become a target for some of the parents who want to influence their way of thinking,” he says.

He believes there are parents who are desperate to get their children back for selfish reasons, but also believes that most biological parents are trying their best to change their circumstances so they can get their children back.

Places of safety work closely with the Department of Social Development, Health, Justice and Education and are

regularly monitored and evaluated.

Rules have to be set and visitation rights needs to be stipulated by the guardians, child welfare and the court, which Harber believes wasn’t done in the kidnapping case.

Marlene Minnie from The Potters Haven says the safety of children is of utmost importance.

“The children need to be protected at all times. That is why they are placed in a safe environment, controlled by their guardians,” she says.

According to Barries Barnard from Hi5Kids Recovery Unit, there is a misconception that mothers do not kidnap their own child.

“They do because of the fact that children will always love their mother – no matter who she is,” he says.

“No matter how hard you try to protect the child, blood is thicker than water,” says Barnard.