POLITICAL NEWS - In light of Child Protection Week and the recent reports of gender based violence and abuse against children, the DA in the Western Cape will tomorrow move a motion at the provincial parliament calling for a debate on the status of child protection services.
Whilst services offered by both the City and the Provincial Department are indicative of the priority given to child protection in the province, much more needs to be done, and we need the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) fully on board.
They are the lead agencies for safety and social welfare, respectively.
From the City, we welcome the launch of the its Matrix programme which started on the 1st of June at the Tafelsig Matrix site in Mitchells Plain. The programme seeks to help those between the ages of 12 and 17 mitigate the risks and effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
The programme does not require any appointments and allows residents to present themselves at the sessions between 07:30 and 16:30 on weekdays. Its aim is to provide dedicated sessions to adolescents and caregivers on how to cope with, and reduce, the risk of substance abuse.
In addition to the City’s Matrix programme, residents of the Western Cape also have access to services provided by the Provincial Department of Social Development (DSD). The provincial department offers support to victims of child abuse, including therapeutic and psycho-social support, temporary safe care programmes, as well as programmes for children living on the streets.
MPP Gillion Bosman says: “Although we have a long way to go to fully address the abuse that children suffer in this country, programmes like the Matrix in the City and services offered by the provincial government help mitigate these effects substantially.
"However, if we are to be more successful in the prevention and mitigation of abuse against children, we will need to have the full partnership of all spheres of government, including national.”
The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to ensuring a safer province for our children.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'
