Western Cape DSD clarifies stance on care reform and Child and Youth Care Centres

The Western Cape Department of Social Development notes the concerns raised by NPOs about the Care Reform Summit Outcomes and its implications, and would like to reiterate that we support a needs-based approach when it comes to children in need of care and protection. 

The outcomes document resulted from the Johannesburg Inaugural Care Reform Summit held in 2025. Delegates from government and civil society and developed a roadmap to universalise family care in order to end institutional care by 2030. DSD Western Cape and designated child protection organisations in the province were not part of the summit.

In the Western Cape, we currently have more than 43 000 children in foster care, with an additional 2 800 children in child and youth care centres (CYCCs) run by NPOs. 

We recognise that care in a family setting is ideal, and support the least restrictive levels of care possible. However, in the Western Cape context, there is a growing need for child and youth care centres for children of all ages who cannot be placed with families for various reasons. This includes children with severe disabilities, as well as children with behavioral problems. 

The need is even greater in rural areas where families would have to travel hundreds of kilometres to maintain contact with children. To address this demand, and in support of family reintegration, the Department will open a new child and youth care centre in Murraysburg next month. 

The role of preventative care remains vital, and to this end, we will continue our early intervention community-based care programmes which aim to strengthen families. This includes: 

• Recruitment of safety parents who are able to provide emergency care for children
• Parenting programmes with to strengthen home environments
• Early intervention and community-based support for substance use disorders
• Shelters for victims of gender-based violence, and their children
• Drop-in centres for at-risk children  

In order for the full implementation of non-institutional care to be realised, significant and sustained investment – rather than shifting around existing resources – will have to be made. 

Media Enquiries
Esther Lewis
Head of Communications
Department of Social Development
Email: Esther.Lewis@westerncape.gov.za