INTERNATIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORK WEEK EMPHASISES CARING, CONNECTING AND ADVOCATING IN TROUBLED TIMES

by DSD News

• ⁠International Child and Youth Care Work Week takes place from 4 to 10 May 2026 under the theme “Caring, connecting and advocating in troubled times”.
• The South African Council for Social Service Professions is joining in the global initiative to celebrate and honour the work done by child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers.
• These workers witness human suffering and brokenness both locally and globally, providing support and services to some of the most vulnerable and at-risk children.

The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) has proudly joined the global community in celebrating International Child and Youth Care Work Week, taking place from 4 to 10 May 2026.

This annual observance pays tribute to the vital role of child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers who dedicate their lives to the developmental and therapeutic needs of vulnerable children and youth across diverse settings.

This year’s theme, “Caring, connecting and advocating in troubled times”, speaks directly to the challenges of our era – a world marked by instability, inequality and displacement, SACSSP said in a media statement.

“Child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers, as part of the social service professions family in the country, stand firm for the rights of children while providing the required development and therapeutic interventions which assist children to navigate challenges, hurt and the complexities of life.”

These workers witness human suffering and brokenness both locally and globally. Wars, violence, inequality and other societal challenges deepen in communities, which in turn impacts the lives of many children, the SACSSP said.

In this context, these practitioners serve some of the most vulnerable and at-risk children in their communities, offering compassionate, professional presence, standing with the marginalised, and embodying solidarity and courage.

International Child and Youth Care Workers Week provides an opportunity to:
•⁠ ⁠recognise and uplift the profession and its practitioners.
•⁠ ⁠raise public awareness about the importance of child and youth care work in building safer communities.
•⁠ ⁠celebrate the resilience, skill and dedication of those working with vulnerable children and families.
•⁠ ⁠advocate for just systems, policies and resources that better serve children, youth and families.
•⁠ ⁠reflect on professional practice and renew commitment to relationship-based care.

In South Africa, the profession of child and youth care work is regulated under the Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978. No person may practice as a child and youth care worker and/or auxiliary child and youth care worker if they are not registered with the SACSSP, adhere to the profession’s code of ethics and meet the prescribed educational requirements.

The titles associated with child and youth care work, such as child and youth care worker and auxiliary child and youth care worker, are protected by law, and only persons who are registered with the SACSSP may use these titles as prescribed in section 15(1) of the Act.

The Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work is responsible for regulating the requirements regarding who may enter the profession (be registered), the education, training and development of child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers, and the professional conduct of these practitioners.

Joining the global initiative, the SACSSP calls on all child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers, professional associations, partner organisations and stakeholders to:
•⁠ ⁠appreciate that child and youth care work is a regulated profession in the country.
•⁠ ⁠practice as required with the scopes of practice and the code of ethics for child and youth care work.
•⁠ ⁠demonstrate professional practice focusing on what is in the best interest of every child.
•⁠ ⁠champion justice and the advancement of the human rights of children.
•⁠ ⁠enhance the dignity and integrity of the child and youth care work profession.
•⁠ ⁠advance professional practice so it is experienced powerfully by those served.

International Child and Youth Care Work Week 2026 serves as a vital occasion to honour the courage, resilience and commitment of child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers for championing quality and professional services for children who are vulnerable and at risk, and who are often invisible in the decision-making structures of the world.

“Let us celebrate their contribution to social service professions, and during this week in particular, child and youth care work, and renew our collective commitment to building a more compassionate and just society,” SACSSP said.