Social Development
With regard to the Eye on the Child warning system, which is intended to mitigate the risk of unsupervised children:
QUESTION
- Whether there is a plan to expand the system and to gain the support of more neighbourhood volunteers;
if so,
(a) what are the details of such a plan, including the
(b) time frames,
(c) objectives and
(d) communication goals;
- (a) where does this system currently operate,
(b) what lessons have been learned for the improvement of the system and
(c) how will any such recommendations be operationalised?
- Yes, the Department of Social Development is planning to expand the Eye on the Child programme. Main focus would be to other areas that includes the hotspots areas that have been identified in the province. The plan is to also prioritise areas where there is an existing Drop in Centres and Isibindi programmes. This will strengthen collaboration and create strong referral pathways.
1 (a) - Funds has already been earmarked for the Eye on the Child programme
- Child Welfare SA has already been identified and approached as a training service provider of the neighbourhood volunteers.
- Non-Profit Organisations that are operating in the hotspot areas will be responsible for recruiting volunteers and managing them once the training is completed.
(b) - 01 April 2021 – 30 September 2021 Focus will be to finalise the contract of
Child Welfare South Africa and that of Non-Profit Organisations that will be
operating as implementing agencies. This will include stakeholder
engagements and recruitment of volunteers by the implementing Non-Profit
Organisations
- 01 October 2021 – 31 March 2022 will focus on training of volunteers and implementation of the programme.
(c) The “Eye on the Child” project’s objective is to increase the prevention of
child abuse and neglect by strengthening systems for effective identifying
and management of children who are victim of various kinds of abuse,
neglect and exploitation. Target group is 0-18-year old from rural and
disadvantaged communities. This project provides a 24-hour service to
the community and children. The main principles of the project are to get
the co-operation of the community concerning child protection and to enable
the community to deal effectively with child abuse and neglect.
(d) The Department of Social Development will be responsible for the
coordination of this programme. Will ensure that all stakeholders are
consulted, orientated and understand their roles and responsibilities. Will
ensure that contracts with stakeholders are in place. Ensure that progress
reports are submitted, verified and validated. Ensure that implementing
agencies are properly assessed, monitored and evaluated
) Predominantly in the rural areas such as Oudtshoorn, De Rust, George,
Worcester, Kleinmond, Stellenbosch, Albertinia, Helderberg, Touwsriver,
Grabouw. The plan is to extend to the hotspot areas in the Metros.
2(b) To have either a staff member or volunteer who takes lead in implementing of
The programme and see to it that it stays operational; Also the report back on a
monthly basis to the CWSA Provincial Office.
2(c) Contracts between the Affiliates/programmes
1 Staff member to be responsible for contacts with the programme
