NORTHERN CORRIDOR EMPOWERS SOCIAL WORKERS ON THE AMENDED CHILDREN’S ACT

By Sipho Ncube.

• The Northern Corridor hosted a three-day capacity-building session at Jacaranda Child and Youth Care Centre CYCC to strengthen the understanding and practical application of the amended Children’s Act among social workers and partner departments.
• ⁠The training unpacked critical aspects of the Comprehensive Children’s Amendment Bill B18 of 2020, including expanded children’s court jurisdiction, improved care provisions for abandoned or orphaned children, and clearer regulatory measures for alternative care.
• Corridor Director Vivian Makhavhu emphasised the importance of embracing legislative shifts, stating, “As a sector, we need to move with the times. The new Children’s Act replaces the Child Protection Act, which means we must shift our mindsets and align ourselves with its requirements.”

This week, the Northern Corridor of the Gauteng Department of Social Development organised a three-day capacity building session on the amendments to the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) for social service professionals.
The training session held at Jacaranda CYCC, brought together Social Workers from the corridor alongside representatives from various government departments, with the objective of enhancing their understanding of the amended legislation and its practical application.
Opening the session, Corridor Director Vivian Makhavhu emphasised the importance of adapting to legislative reforms, saying:
“As a sector, we need to move with the times. The new Children’s Act replaces the Child Protection Act, which means we must shift our mindsets and align ourselves with its requirements, as it brings new dimensions to childcare and protection.”
Daphne Naidoo, the Department’s Social Work Manager responsible for Adoption Services and non-state-run CYCCs, outlined key aspects of the amendments. She explained that on 31 August 2020, the Minister of Social Development introduced the Comprehensive Children’s Amendment Bill B18 of 2020 to Parliament. The bill seeks to strengthen protective measures for children and address persistent gaps in the childcare and protection system.
Naidoo noted that the amendments aim to:
•⁠ ⁠Introduce and clarify key definitions;
•⁠ ⁠Extend the jurisdiction of children’s courts;
•⁠ ⁠Improve provisions for the care of abandoned or orphaned children; and
•⁠ ⁠Regulate matters relating to children in alternative care.
Her presentation also covered critical topics such as identifying children in need of care and protection, statutory jurisdiction, temporary safe care, and access to social services for asylum seekers and refugees.
The interactive session allowed participants to engage in discussions, seek clarity, and share experiences to enhance their professional practice.