What We've Been Up To

Thank you for another outstanding year!

Another financial year has passed, and we have been busier than ever. Only through the many forms of support from people like you can we continue waging the war against child abuse.

To our corporate sponsors who provide most of the ongoing funds for our programmes, to the individual donors who give money and other goods every month, to those who drop off their pre-loved goods at our shop, to those who support our shop through purchases, to those that give their time and expertise to carry some of the load, to those who give their homes and love to children in need...

Thank You!

We thought you would be interested in what we’ve been able to achieve over the last year with your help. Below is a summary of our work statistics and information explaining each activity.

If you would like more information or would like to chat about our work, you are welcome to pop in to our office in Mount Pleasant.

Highlights

• 36 Parents participated in parenting programmes.

• 120 Pre-primary and primary school children participated in child abuse prevention programmes.

• 143 Community members participated in Children’s Act information sessions.

• 201 Children participated in holiday programmes.

• 260 Therapeutic and developmental services were provided to families and children at risk.

• 108 Investigations were conducted into the question of whether a child is in need of care and protection.

• 61 Formal risk assessments were conducted to ascertain the level of risk to children.

• 29 Section 155 (Form 38) reports were submitted to the Children’s Court.

• 14 Children’s Court enquiries were opened.

• 29 Children’s Court enquiries were finalised.

• 28 Children were placed in foster care.

• 2 Children were reunified with their biological parents or communities of origin.

• 136 Instances of alternative care supervision services were rendered.

• 19 instances of reunification services were rendered.

• 15 Children who are about to exit alternative care participated in transitional programmes.

• 12 Children were loved and nurtured in our two foster homes in Hermanus.

What We Do

Parenting Programmes

These are programmes for parents (including unmarried fathers) aimed at knowledge and skill development, improved parent-child relationships, reduced behavioural issues, enhanced parental confidence, peer support and networking, and increased awareness of the child’s needs.

Child Abuse Prevention Programmes

These programmes aim to educate and empower young children to recognize and respond to situations that may involve abuse or harm. These programs are designed to raise awareness, teach personal safety skills, and promote healthy relationships. 

Children’s Act Information Sessions

When community members participate in Children's Act information sessions, they gain a better understanding of the rights and protections afforded to children under the law. These sessions provide valuable information and promote community engagement in ensuring the well-being and protection of children.

Holiday Programmes

We design our holiday programs to be enjoyable and entertaining for children. They offer a break from academic routines, allowing children to relax, have fun, and engage in recreational activities. 

When children participate in holiday programs, they can benefit in several ways. The potential benefits include social interaction, skill development, personal growth and self-esteem building, physical activity, and exposure to new experiences.

Therapeutic and Developmental Services

Families and children at risk often require therapeutic and developmental services to address their specific needs and support their well-being. These services aim to provide interventions, support, and resources that promote positive development, address challenges, and strengthen family functioning. These services include but are not limited to: Counselling and therapy, parent education and support, connecting with community resources, and trauma-informed services.

Investigations (into the question of whether a child is in need of care and protection)

When a report is made, a social worker is assigned to conduct an initial assessment to determine if the child is in need of care and protection. This assessment involves gathering information about the child's living conditions, family situation, and any potential risks or harm to the child.

Risk Assessments

Formal (actuarial) risk assessments are crucial in early intervention and prevention of harm to children. We can implement appropriate support services, interventions, or protective measures by identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities to prevent harm or address existing issues.

These assessments include assessing risks related to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any other harm, considering each child’s specific circumstances and needs. It considers factors such as the child’s age, physical and mental health, living environment, family situation, and any previous abuse or neglect.

Children’s Court Enquiries

Section 151 of the Children's Act 38 of 2005 empowers the Children's Court to order that an organisation conduct inquiries in cases involving child protection. These inquiries are typically conducted when there are concerns about the well-being, safety, or care of a child. The purpose of these enquiries is to assess the child's circumstances, determine whether they are in need of care and protection, and make appropriate orders or interventions to ensure their welfare.

During a Section 151 Children's Court inquiry, a designated organisation (like HCFS) may gather evidence from various sources, such as the child, their parents or guardians, social workers, medical professionals, or any other relevant individuals or institutions. The court will assess the evidence presented and make decisions based on the best interests of the child.

Section 155 (Form 38) Reports

Section 155 reports are prepared by social workers from a designated child protection organization after in-depth investigations. These detailed reports include in-depth information about the child's background, family situation, living conditions, and any concerns or risks related to their well-being.

The purpose of Section 155 reports is to assist the court in making informed decisions about the child's care and protection. The reports provide valuable information and recommendations that can help determine the best course of action for the child's welfare.

Children’s Court Enquiry Finalisation

Once all the necessary information has been considered, the Children's Court will make a decision regarding the child's future, which can include various types of orders or interventions. This entails formal court proceedings. The court may make orders for the child to remain in the care of their parents or guardians, place them in alternative care, or take any other necessary actions to ensure the child's well-being.

The finalization of Children's Court inquiries occurs when the court reaches a decision and issues the appropriate orders. It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for the finalization of Children's Court inquiries may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case.

Foster Care Placements

Before finalisation, our social workers work extremely hard to find an appropriate placement for the child. The foster family or caregiver must meet certain requirements and undergo an assessment process to ensure their suitability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child. Once approved, our workers facilitate the placement and ensure that the transition is a smooth one.

Reunification with Biological Parents or Communities of Origin

Our social workers make great efforts to provide support services and interventions to the biological family to address the issues that led to the child’s placement in alternative care. The aim is to strengthen the family’s capacity to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child, facilitating reunification.

We will recommend to the court that reunification should be done when we are assured that it is in the child’s best interests to be reintegrated with their biological parents or communities of origin. This determination is made by assessing factors such as the child’s emotional and physical well-being, attachment to the biological family, the availability of a suitable and stable environment, and the child’s wishes and views, considering their age and maturity.

Alternative Care Supervision Services

These services aim to ensure the well-being, safety, and proper development of children unable to live with their biological families. These services include placement assessments, placement monitoring, support for caregivers, mediation and conflict resolution, as well as transition and reunification planning.

Reunification Services

Reunification services focus on rehabilitating the family and addressing the factors that led to the separation. The reunification process may involve counselling, therapy, parenting programs, substance abuse treatment, or other relevant support services to help parents or caregivers acquire the necessary skills and resources to ensure the child’s well-being.

During reunification, the emphasis is placed on monitoring and supervision by social workers or other designated professionals to ensure the child’s safety and progress. Our workers conduct regular assessments and visits to assess the family’s compliance with the requirements and evaluate the child’s well-being.

Transitional Programmes (for children who are about to exit alternative care)

Transitional programs can help prepare children in alternative care to transition to independent or family-based living successfully. We design these programs to provide specific support, guidance, and resources to prepare these young individuals for the challenges they may encounter.

Preparation of Safety or Foster Parents

Preparing safety and foster parents is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being and safety of children placed in their care. The key aspects of the preparation process are screening and background checks, training and education, support and collaborative relationships.

We look forward to another year of working together to protect the most vulnerable in our town.