Article re-cap
- Police arrested a 32-year-old father near the Sea Point promenade on June 16.
- A case of child abandonment has been opened against the father.
- The Department of Social Development is safeguarding the three-year-old daughter.
Police arrested a 32-year-old father near the Sea Point promenade on June 16 after his three-year-old daughter was found alone. An investigation is underway according to the Children’s Act, with the Department of Social Development safeguarding the child.
A case of child abandonment has been opened against the father, who was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon. According to MEC for Social Development Jaco Londt, an assessment was conducted when the child was placed within his care and efforts were made to trace the family.
The Department of Social Development assigned a child protection social worker to safeguard the child and conduct safety and risk assessments. An assessment will be included in the Safety and Risk Assessment. Measures to trace the family will be exercised; should no family members be found, a safe parent will be sought who meets all legal frameworks.
Police clearance and screening against the Child Protection register are required for applicants seeking to become safety parents. Training on the Children’s Act is provided. These safety parents provide a temporary home in a caring environment for children while child protection investigations are under way, which can take about three months or more.
Frequently asked questions
What action did the police take in this situation?
Police arrested a 32-year-old father near the Sea Point promenade on June 16 after his three-year-old daughter was found alone; this followed an investigation according to the Children’s Act and the Department of Social Development’s safeguarding efforts.
What is the role of the Department of Social Development?
The Department of Social Development is safeguarding the child and conducting safety and risk assessments; they also assign a child protection social worker to ensure the child's well-being while investigations are underway, potentially taking up to three months or more.
What happens if no family members can be found?
If no family members are found, the Department of Social Development will seek a ‘safe parent’ who meets all legal frameworks; this safe parent would provide a temporary home in a caring environment for the child during the ongoing child protection investigation.
What kind of checks do people have to pass before becoming a ‘safe parent’?
Applicants seeking to become safety parents require police clearance and screening against the Child Protection register; they also receive training on the Children’s Act, demonstrating their commitment to child welfare and adherence to legal requirements.
Source: iol.co.za, capetownetc.com
