The Western Cape Government (WCG) calls on parents and caregivers to be aware of potential risks, especially in public spaces.
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Sharna Fernandez, provincial minister of social development, says parents must be extra vigilant when at the beach or in a shopping mall. ‘Unfortunately, every year, we see children being forgotten at a beach after a day out, resulting in distress and trauma for them.
‘This is unacceptable as it is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to ensure minors in their groups are always under a watchful eye while at the beach or around a body of water, so you can leave together safely.’
Between 31 December 2022 and 2 January 2023, at least 240 children were separated from their families in high-volume areas including Monwabisi, Mnandi, Camps Bay, Strandfontein, Muizenberg and Strand beaches.
‘DSD social workers and City of Cape Town staff were able to reunite most of the young ones with their families on the same day, but children who were not collected timeously had to be placed in places of safety. As per legislation, the parents/guardians had to follow legal processes to be reunified with their children.
‘As ordinary citizens, we can also do our part and report any wrongdoing we may see. If you wish to help a child in need and have the resources to do so, you could become an emergency or safety parent.’
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According to the WCG, a safety parent is a ‘fit and proper person, over the age of 18, who takes temporary care of no more than six children, except where the children are siblings’.
Those interested in partnering with the Department of Social Development by opening their homes to care for and safeguard vulnerable children can volunteer to become safety parents.
For more information, visit the WCG’s website at westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/become-safety-parent.
Furthermore, NGOs who also do their recruitment for safety parents include:
- BADISA head office: 021 957 7130
- ACVV head office: 021 461 7437
- Child Welfare SA: 087 822 1516
- Cape Town Child Welfare: 021 461 7437
Other helpful contact numbers:
- Childline: 116
- Stop Gender-Based Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
- SAPS: 08600 10111
Report any abuse of children, women, the elderly, or any other vulnerable person to the Department of Social Development’s toll-free number at 0800 220 250.
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Picture: Niklas Ohlrogge / Unsplash
