WE PROTECT
CHILDREN IN CRISIS
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is a non-profit organization registered with the Dept of Social Development as a Child Protection Agency. It has a long-standing history of serving the best interest of children in Cape Town, and has an established and well-known brand. The members of the Society all share a commitment to the common good, and making the world a better place, especially for children.
WE PROTECT
CHILDREN IN CRISIS
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is a non profit organization registered with the Dept of Social Development as a Child Protection Agency. It has a long-standing history of serving the best interest of children in Cape Town, and has an established and well-known brand. The members of the Society all share a commitment to the common good, and making the world a better place, especially for children.
WE PROTECT
CHILDREN IN CRISIS
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is a non profit organization registered with the Dept of Social Development as a Child Protection Agency. It has a long-standing history of serving the best interest of children in Cape Town, and has an established and well-known brand. The members of the Society all share a commitment to the common good, and making the world a better place, especially for children.
WHO?
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is South Africa’s oldest and second-largest child welfare organisation. Since 1908, we have helped over a million children emerge from crisis situations ranging from drug/alcohol abuse, poverty, homelessness and crime, to severe neglect and physical and sexual abuse.
Our overriding goal is to ensure the survival and protection of children at risk – to help them break the cycle of despair in their lives, so that, ultimately, they are free to live fruitful, productive lives as flourishing members of society.
The organisation received an average of 51 cases per week through the doors of our five intake offices across the Cape Peninsula.
WHAT?
The organization is starting to take up its rightful place as one of the most respected and trusted agencies to champion the cause for a safe and nurturing society for all citizens, with a special focus on children.
We offer a variety of services to the community – e.g. adoption services, foster care placements, intake and referral services, investigations and intervention and family preservation services.
Our intake unit responds to children in crisis and is similar to the casualty unit at a hospital which has a highly pressurized working environment. It therefore requires experienced and caring staff complement who are able to think on their feet in crisis situations.
WHY?
On the 4/06/2019 the Cape Times reported that Red Cross Children’s Hospital dealt with 273 abused and neglected children within the first five months of this year alone as follows:
- 88 cases of physical abuse,
- 66 of neglect,
- 45 of sexual abuse,
- 6 of abandonment,
- 11 of children at risk,
- 18 incidents of dog bites,
- 17 gunshot injures and
- 22 burns.”
The majority of these abuse and neglect cases are referred to CTCWS for further investigation which correlates with a noted increase in the caseloads of our social workers. This is why we exist!
OUR SERVICES
Intake & referral
Our intake unit is the first point of entry for clients seeking assistance iro vulnerable children and their families. The social workers within this unit assist children in crisis
See more >
Investigations
We are also responsible for conducting investigations in order to determine if the child/ren identified as being at risk should either be removed from
See more >
Foster placements
We also are responsible for rendering monitoring and supportive services to children who have been placed in foster care until they turn 18yrs. Our social workers
See more >
Family preservation & intervention services
We believe that a child’s rightful place is with their biological parents and therefore statutory intervention should only be applied
See more >
Adoption services
The organization also has a proud history ito rendering adoption services with the first adoption being processed in 1926. Adoption is regarded as
See more >
AREAS OF OPERATION
Please be advised that we will be relocating our Wynberg Service delivery point from 4 Salisbury Road, Wynberg to 12 Summerly Rd, Upper Kenilworth effective as from the 1st JULY 2024
Athlone
Manenberg, Tambo Village, Hanover Park, Heideveld, Surrey Estate, Rylands, Gatesville, Bridgetown, Silvertown, Pook-se-Bos, Vygieskraal, Welcome Estate, Lotus River, Ottery, Phillipi Horticulture and Pelican Park
Langa
Settlers, N2, Gateway, New Flats / Ndabeni, Joe Slovo, Old Flats, Bunga (Right side), Zones 1 -5, 16-20 and 23-26;
Khayelitsha (Site C)
WHO?
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is South Africa’s oldest and second-largest child welfare organisation. Since 1908, we have helped over a million children emerge from crisis situations ranging from drug/alcohol abuse, poverty, homelessness and crime, to severe neglect and physical and sexual abuse.
Our overriding goal is to ensure the survival and protection of children at risk – to help them break the cycle of despair in their lives, so that, ultimately, they are free to live fruitful, productive lives as flourishing members of society.
Daily, around 40 new cases come through the doors of our five intake offices across the Cape Peninsula.
WHAT?
The organization is starting to take up its rightful place as one of the most respected and trusted agencies to champion the cause for a safe and nurturing society for all citizens, with a special focus on children.
We offer a variety of services to the community – e.g. adoption services, foster care placements, intake and referral services, investigations and intervention and family preservation services.
Our intake unit responds to children in crisis and is similar to the casualty unit at a hospital which has a highly pressurized working environment. It therefore requires experienced and caring staff complement who are able to think on their feet in crisis situations.
WHY?
On the 4/06/2019 the Cape Times reported that Red Cross Children’s Hospital dealt with 273 abused and neglected children within the first five months of this year alone as follows:
- 88 cases of physical abuse,
- 66 of neglect,
- 45 of sexual abuse,
- six of abandonment,
- 11 of children at risk,
- 18 incidents of dog bites,
- 17 gunshot injures and
- 22 burns.”
The majority of these abuse and neglect cases are referred to CTCWS for further investigation which correlates with a noted increase in the caseloads of our social workers. This is why we exist!
OUR SERVICES
Intake & referral
Our intake unit is the first point of entry for clients seeking assistance iro vulnerable children and their families. The social workers within this unit assist children in crisis
See more >
Investigations
We are also responsible for conducting investigations in order to determine if the child/ren identified as being at risk should either be removed from
See more >
Foster placements
We also are responsible for rendering monitoring and supportive services to children who have been placed in foster care until they turn 18yrs. Our social workers
See more >
Family preservation & intervention services
We believe that a child’s rightful place is with their biological parents and therefore statutory intervention should only be applied if it is no longer
See more >
Adoption services
The organization also has a proud history ito rendering adoption services with the first adoption being processed in 1926. Adoption is regarded as
See more >
WHO?
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is South Africa’s oldest and second-largest child welfare organisation. Since 1908, we have helped over a million children emerge from crisis situations ranging from drug/alcohol abuse, poverty, homelessness and crime, to severe neglect and physical and sexual abuse.
Our overriding goal is to ensure the survival and protection of children at risk – to help them break the cycle of despair in their lives, so that, ultimately, they are free to live fruitful, productive lives as flourishing members of society.
Daily, around 40 new cases come through the doors of our five intake offices across the Cape Peninsula.
WHAT?
The organization is starting to take up its rightful place as one of the most respected and trusted agencies to champion the cause for a safe and nurturing society for all citizens, with a special focus on children.
We offer a variety of services to the community – e.g. adoption services, foster care placements, intake and referral services, investigations and intervention and family preservation services.
Our intake unit responds to children in crisis and is similar to the casualty unit at a hospital which has a highly pressurized working environment. It therefore requires experienced and caring staff complement who are able to think on their feet in crisis situations.
WHY?
On the 4/06/2019 the Cape Times reported that Red Cross Children’s Hospital dealt with 273 abused and neglected children within the first five months of this year alone as follows:
- 88 cases of physical abuse,
- 66 of neglect,
- 45 of sexual abuse,
- six of abandonment,
- 11 of children at risk,
- 18 incidents of dog bites,
- 17 gunshot injures and
- 22 burns.”
The majority of these abuse and neglect cases are referred to CTCWS for further investigation which correlates with a noted increase in the caseloads of our social workers. This is why we exist!
OUR SERVICES
Intake & referral
Our intake unit is the first point of entry for clients seeking assistance iro vulnerable children and their families. The social workers within this unit assist children in crisis
See more >
Investigations
We are also responsible for conducting investigations in order to determine if the child/ren identified as being at risk should either be removed from
See more >
Foster placements
We also are responsible for rendering monitoring and supportive services to children who have been placed in foster care until they turn 18yrs. Our social workers
See more >
Family preservation & intervention services
We believe that a child’s rightful place is with their biological parents and therefore statutory intervention should only be applied if it is no longer
See more >
Adoption services
The organization also has a proud history ito rendering adoption services with the first adoption being processed in 1926. Adoption is regarded as
See more >
OUR AWESOME SPONSORS
As a non-profit organization Cape Town Child Welfare Society is largely dependent on the goodwill of its donors who have provided loyal support to the organization for over 100years. Their generosity and partnership has enabled the organization to provide child protection services to children within our most vulnerable communities. Our major donors being the Dept of Social Development; National Lottery Commission; various trust funds and foundations as well as individual donors and companies.
OUR
VISION
Resilient families within resilient communities protecting and nurturing children to their full potential.
OUR
MISSION
We serve our communities through collaborative partnerships based on a common commitment to ethical and value based behaviour.
Want to invest in a child’s future?
See the monthly donations we support:
Feed A CHILD
for
R400/month
=
Care + Protection
1 Child
FEED A FAMILY
for
R800/month
=
1 Food Parcel
1 Family
RESCUE KIT/SAVE A CHILD
for
R500/month
=
Emergency Pack
1 Child
THE TEAM
We wouldn’t be able to assist all of the children and families in Cape Town without our team. CLICK SEE MORE
P. WHITAKER
(Director)
B. BARRY
(Social work Manager)
T. ENGEL
(Supervisor | Foster Care)
Mieshka Stein
(Supervisor)
Susan Reddy
(Supervisor)
Promoting the well-being of children since 1908
We protect those in crisis and at risk, enhancing the capacity of families and communities to protect and develop their children. We empower children to claim their rights and accept their responsibilities and network with other service providers for the benefit of the children. Contributing to the development of National and International policies and legislation regarding children, building the capacity of other organisations to care for children and advocating for the rights of children.
will my investment really make difference?
See the difference you made in 2018
INTAKE & REFERRAL SERVICES
815
Risk and safety assessments iro children identified as being at risk were conducted
INVESTIGATION SERVICES
271
Form 38 court reports were completed
FOSTER CARE SUPERVISION SERVICES
3929
FOSTER CHILDREN
ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU
our patron
Cape Town Child Welfare Society is proud to count Desmond Tutu as its patron, and to be affiliated with the International Forum for Child Welfare. In general, we are widely recognized for our role in the protection and efforts to develop resilient children, families and communities, hence the following quote by the Arch as endorsement of the work done by the organization.
“We believe that children are our future and our inspiration. We each have a responsibility to make the world we live in a better, safer place for our children. Don’t be overwhelmed by the challenges. Good has and will always overcome evil. Cape Town Child Welfare Society has had a tremendous track record for positive intervention in changing the lives of the young. I am proud to be associated with their work and congratulate the committee, staff and volunteers on their efforts with very limited resources.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“On behalf of the most vulnerable children served by CTCWS, the board of management and our staff we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Tutu family. We have been extremely honoured to have Archbishop Desmond Tutu as our patron. His exemplary leadership as characterised by his courage to advocate for the dignity of all especially the most vulnerable has inspired us to do the same. As the enormity of his passing sinks in we commit to keep his legacy alive by ensuring the protection of children within the most vulnerable communities in Cape Town in manner that emulates his dignity; humility and compassion. His example of leadership as a public servant who did not hesitate to speak his truth against injustices will be sorely missed in an era where this is needed more than ever. ..”
HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
PARTNER WITH CAPE TOWN CHILD WELFARE SOCIETY NOW!
HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Invest in a child today! By donating R200 you can help a child in crisis meet their basic needs. i.e. medical care, schooling, physical needs.
TEMPORARY SAFETY PARENT
Being prepared to care for a child in crisis on a short term basis while a permanent caregiver is screened and trained to care for the child.
FOSTER PARENT
Being willing to be appointed as the custodian of the child for period as determined by the court while the biological parents retain their guardianship rights and responsibilities.
ADOPTION SERVICES
We recruit, screen and train prospective parents to adopt abandoned or orphaned children. Learn more about adoption here.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
TEMPORARY SAFETY PARENT
Being prepared to care for a child in crisis on a short term basis while a permanent caregiver is screened and trained to care for the child
ADOPTION SERVICES
We recruit; screen and train prospective parents to adopt abandoned or orphaned children. Learn more here
FOSTER PARENT
Being willing to be appointed as the custodian of the child for period as determined by the court while the biological parents retain their guardianship rights and responsibilities
Continue to
make a difference in a child’s life
The monthly cost to assist one child in need of care and protection is only R400.00. A food parcel for one family in need costs R800.00. An emergency pack for a child who had to be removed from their family costs R500.00. If you would like to donate to protect Cape Town’s children you can email us on donate@helpkids.org.za or go directly through our safe payment gateway.
Continue to
make a difference in a child’s life
The monthly cost to assist one child in need of care and protection is only R400.00. A food parcel for one family in need costs R800.00. An emergency pack for a child who had to be removed from their family costs R500.00 If you would like to donate to protect Cape Town’s children you can email us on donate@helpkids.org.za or go directly through our safe payment gateway.