Child and Youth Care Centres

Children under the age of 18 years old, who are living and working on the streets, are urged to seek accommodation at child and youth care centres that provide specialised programmes and are registered with the Provincial Department of Social Development.

1. Shelters, Children's Homes and Temporary Safe Care
2. Social Workers, Social Professionals and Street Children
3. Focus on Reunification
4. Location of Shelters for Street Children

Short-term accommodation for children in need of care and protection falls into three categories:

1. Shelters are for children who are living and working on the streets.
   • Children's Homes are for children who are placed by order of the children's court into short term residential care.
   • Temporary Safe Care offer short-term care for both children who have been found in need of care and protection due to abuse, negligence or have been exploited, as well as children who have violated the law and are awaiting trial or an inquiry.

All children who seek accommodation at a shelter are assessed by a multi-disciplinary team who will develop an individual development plan.

After assessing the child's situation, the social worker will assess whether it is in the best interest of the child to be reunified with his or her biological family, or in the community of origin. If the home situation seems too dangerous, the social worker may consider recommending that the child be taken to alternative placement.