MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There are currently 42 322 children in the foster care system in the Western Cape, the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) noted in a statement recently.
In March 2021 there were 35 610 children in the Western Cape foster care system. These children were placed in foster care by the province's Department of Social Development, for varying reasons.
Two ways
One can look at the 42 322 children in two ways, the statement noted: 1) The department has managed to safeguard over 40 000 children in need of care and protection, or 2) Many of these children were let down by their parents/guardians.
To address the growing number of children in need of protection, the department strengthened its Child Protection Systems, by revising standard operating procedures. Child Protection Register and Foster Care Management have been integrated into child protection operations, for better tracking of children.
Lessens administrative burden
The Social Work Integrated Management System Application (SWIMS App) lessens the administrative burden on social workers, allowing more time for therapeutic interventions.
These interventions are aimed at making the lives of social workers easier, and ensure safeguarding vulnerable children. What happens when parents and guardians don’t play their role, especially over the festive season? Over New Year’s weekend of 2022/2023, 11 children were separated from their families and could not be timeously reunited.
Between 15 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, eight children were reportedly separated from their families in the Cape Metro and reunited by DSD staff. No one wants to spend their holiday in a courtroom over something that could have been avoided. More importantly, think of the trauma the child goes through.
Appeal
An appeal to parents/guardians: Keep an eye on your children, especially around water. Avoid drinking at public swimming spaces. It impairs your judgment, placing your child in danger.
DSD has programmes ensuring children are protected: community-based prevention, early intervention services, child abuse prevention programmes, therapeutic counselling and developmental services, but the safeguarding of children is not only government’s responsibility; it begins with parents/guardians and caregivers, the statement noted.
Volunteers required
A child and youth care centre in Moorreesburg, which provides a safe home for orphaned, abused, or neglected children, requires volunteers during the holiday, when people can become weekend or holiday parents.
If your family is in a position to do something like this, the department encourages you to start the application process before the next holiday season, especially as the number of vulnerable children continues to rise.
Contact your nearest DSD local office, or call the tollfree number (0800 220 250) for more information, or visit www. westerncape.gov.za/social-development/ service/fostering-child.
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