The Ad-hoc Committee on Child Protection Reform of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament is mandated to consider and develop legislative and policy proposals to strengthen child-protection systems. It is also coordinating mechanisms across portfolios impacting children and held a meeting and public hearing along the West Coast.
An engagement took place at the White City Multipurpose Centre on Wednesday 25 March, involving child-rights interest groups and figures, relevant policymakers and legislators, to discuss oversight findings that highlight the urgent need for enhanced intersectoral coordination, legislative reform and stronger enforcement mechanisms to address child abuse, neglect, trafficking and gaps in disability-inclusive services within criminal justice and child protection.
Wendy Kaizer-Philander, ad-hoc committee chair, said every child in the Western Cape deserves to be safe, protected and nurtured, but the reality is that the child-protection systems are facing serious challenges. “We’ve seen oversight reports highlighting an urgent need for change, to address issues such as child abuse, neglect and trafficking better, and to ensure our services are inclusive for children with disabilities. That is why the committee was established, to develop strong legislative and policy proposals that will strengthen child protection across the Western Cape.”
All stakeholders had a key role to play.
“As our mandate is to create laws and policies that truly work we need to hear from our communities and stakeholders directly. Engagements with our communities are vital; we want to know what they would like to see addressed.
“What are the gaps they see in their community? What changes would make a real difference in the lives of our children? Their lived experience and their expertise are vital to ensuring that our final proposals are responsive to the real needs of children and families across the province.”
Kaizer-Philander said everyone should get on board to achieve the objectives.
