Question NW2824 to the Minister of Social Development
31 December 2021 - NW2824
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
What measures is her department taking to (a) curb the inhumane and deadly manner in which unwanted babies and children are abandoned and (b) ensure that parents and/or caregivers who are unable to care for their babies and children have a safe way to surrender their rights and responsibilities as parents and/or caregivers in the best interest of their children without criminalising them?
Reply:
1. At all times, the Department guided by the provisions of the Children’s Act, of which the best interest of the child is paramount on all matters concerning children. The Department is working closely in collaboration with the designated and accredited Child Protection Organisations, as well as health professionals in the clinics and hospitals to help prevent child abandonment. These include awareness as part of the 100 Days Campaign, information on services and options available to parents who are unable to care for their children, family planning, psychosocial support and positive parenting programmes amongst others. The Department also conducts community dialogues, television, radio talks and other media platforms, educating expecting mothers and the communities about children’s rights, right to life and the dangers of abandoning children.
Expectant mothers are informed of available options such as termination of the pregnancy, alternative care placement such as adoption and foster care. The Department also implement a Community-Based Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (RISIHA) that support families, parents and caregivers in distress; identifying factors that put children’s lives at risk and mitigate the identified risks and vulnerabilities by linking parents with available services and resources in their respective communities.
2. Refer to (a)