International Day of Families: Dept initiatives support parents and children

As we commemorate Mother’s Day and International Day of Families (tomorrow), the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) remains committed to rolling out services that strengthen and build resilience within families in the province.

The Department allocates the largest share of its annual budget to services for children and families.

R651.5-million is spent on programmes and initiatives both within the department and through our NGO partners in support of strengthening families and children.

Through the Families sub-Directorate, the department works closely with 64 NGOs which specialize in rendering support services to families, especially families at risk.

Our teams of general and specialist social workers based at our 40 local offices and 6 regional offices across the province, host;

• parenting classes,
• family counselling sessions,
• and other therapeutic interventions.

These programmes play an invaluable role in helping communities, often in areas affected by substance abuse, gangsterism and other social ills, to develop resilience.

Our efforts are aimed at supporting families, particularly by empowering parents to play a greater role and to take responsibility of their children and households.

No government can replace the role committed and responsible parents play.

Sadly, the recent disappearance, attacks and murders of children in Cape Town, such as 11 year-old Stacha Arendz, 13 year-old Rene Roman, 4 year-old Iyapha Yamile, and the recent disappearance of 3 year-old Courtney Peters, highlight how parents and communities need to be extra vigilant these days. The Department will continue to support these families through the difficult and emotional time.

As we mark International Day for Families, we must work ‘Better Together’ to ensure that violence against women and children has no place in our families or communities.