Child Protection Week 2015

As we commemorate Child Protection Week from 31 May to 7 June this year, we remember the value of standing together to create safer communities for our children.

Child Protection Week raises awareness of children’s rights in our country and started in 1997 to bring together key role players to protect and care for children.

This year the event is celebrated under the national theme: Working Together to Protect Children.

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, has encouraged communities to build strong family units and report any abuse or negligence of children to our any of offices, or contact the Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Hotline on 0800 220 250.

“Parents must play a leading role in ensuring the provision of a safe, enabling and nurturing society for our children,” he said.

The aim of Child Protection Week is to create safe communities for growth and development, and in doing so, equipping children with the necessary skills and experience for adulthood.

Getting involved

DSD launched Child Protection Week at the Grassy Park Civic Centre on Friday 22 May 2015. The department has various other events planned. These include shows at early childhood development centres, information sessions and child protection forum meetings with communities.

These programmes are aimed at dealing with child abuse, while educating communities about child protection.

During this week, we are also encouraged to wear a green ribbon, to show support for the promotion of the rights, care and protection of children.

The green ribbon not only lets victims and survivors know that we care, but emphasises the need for partnerships to fight child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Children’s rights and services

Understanding your child’s rights can help to protect them from abuse. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 is dedicated to protecting your child’s rights. It deals with the following issues:

• Age of maturity
• Paternity
• Custody
• Child support
• Children’s courts
• Human trafficking
• Foster care
• Surrogacy
• Circumcision
• Day care
• Adoption

These rights apply to all children under the age of 18 and aims to protect their emotional, physical and mental well-being.

Together with these rights, our services and facilities promote the development of our children. We have a number of useful services that are dedicated to help create the best life possible for your child. These include:

• Autism Western Cape
• Child and Youth Care Centres
• Registered Early Childhood Development Centres
• Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital
• Secure Care Centre for Trial awaiting Children
• South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
• Special Needs Schools
• Substance Abuse Treatment Centres
• Victim Empowerment Programme
• Youth Training Facilities

Take action against child abuse

It is our responsibility to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Remember, many children are vulnerable and face abuse every day.

The national Department of Social Development has a 24-hour call centre that provides support to victims of gender based abuse.

Dial the toll free number at 0800 428 428 or dial 120*7867# from any cellphone to request help from a social worker.

Other useful contacts include:

Lifeline Western Cape
Tel: 0861 322 322
Email: info@lifelinewesterncape.org.za

Child Welfare South Africa
Tel: 0861 424 453
Email: info@childwelfaresa.org.za