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Department commemorates Child Protection Week
28 May 2012 Child Protection week is a national awareness campaign that is organised and commemorated annually as one of government's means to emphasise the importance of care, support and protection of children. The campaign is commemorated from 28 May to 3 June.
The Constitution, legislation, policies and international instruments are in place to provide statutory protection towards providing a better life for children. Further, the Children's Act of 2005, Act 38 of 2005, sets out the principles relating to the care and protection of children, and defines the related parental responsibilities and rights. A multi-sector response is required to address and end the scourge of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children.
The Social Development Information Management System (SDIMS) reveals that 129 children were abused during the period of April to December 2011. It must be noted that this number is not a true reflection of children who have been abused because some cases are not reported. This number of reported cases is an indication that child abuse is prevalent.
The theme this year for the campaign is "Working Together to Protect Children". The main focus of the campaign this year is on strengthening families with emphasis on positive discipline and to raise awareness on the prevention and early intervention programmes and services to children and families.
The Department of Social Development & Special programmes in the Eastern Cape will partner with the Department of Correctional services and visit children of incarcerated mothers at East London Prison on 3 June 2012, with an aim of facilitating and strengthening care, support and protection of children in that institution.
A Provincial Children's Parliament will be held on 8 June 2012, at the Provincial Legislature to mark the 2012 Child protection Week. Children have been nominated from all districts to participate and they will present to parliament topics prepared by themselves.
Contact:
Gcobani Maswana
Cell: 082 821 7410
Enquiries:
Nomiky Tshangela
Cell: 082 411 5729 Issued by: Eastern Cape Social Development
28 May 2012
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