Communities, parents and government must do more to protect children, says children’s activist Lucinda Evans ahead of National Child Protection Week, which starts on Friday 29 May and concludes on Friday 5 June.
The week is observed annually to shine a spotlight on children’s rights and the urgent need to protect every child from abuse, neglect and exploitation, as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution and the Children’s Act.
This year’s theme is “Working together in ending violence against children.”
The campaign is spearheaded by the National Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations providing child protection services.
Evans, founder of Philisa Young Minds Academy, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children in Lavender Hill and surrounds, believes there are not enough safe spaces for children.
“I want the community to be more vigilant and to report abuse. There is still a reluctance to report abuse.”
Evans, who also founded Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women and Family Centre in Retreat, explained that abuse of all forms should be reported, not just physical.
“Neglect is also a form of abuse. Too often we see children at robots or shopping centres begging for food while the parents sit and wait for them.
“Those parents must be reported. We see children roaming in the street and begging. That should be reported.”
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) said there are over 43 000 children in foster care in the province, and 2 800 more children in NPO-run child and youth care centres.
It said between October last year and March this year, DSD received 1 957 reports of abuse.
Acting Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Deidré Baartman said everyone has a duty to protect children.
“When a report of abuse is received, a social worker conducts a risk and safety assessment. If there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety, they are removed from their homes and the matter is presented to the Children’s Court.”
Baartman said while the child protection investigation is underway, the child may be temporarily placed with safety parents.
“We urge those who meet the qualifying criteria to sign up to become a safety parent. This is just one way of making a huge impact on the life of a child when they need it the most.”
Patric Solomon, director for child-rights organization Molo Songololo, said there are far too many children in South Africa that are exposed to and are victims of abuse, crime and violence.
“We need everyone to invest in children’s safety and protection because that investment can help their survival. And can increase their future prospects. We need to take care of children and protect them.”
He said that while attempts have been made to strengthen child protection interventions at national level, the turnaround time for addressing cases at local community level remains unclear for many children.
Solomons said the organisation continues to work with key role-players and is constantly exploring ways to improve its impact and better secure the safety of children.
For more information visit the Depart of Social Development website
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