What Happens When the System Fails to Protect Our Children?
In South Africa’s family courts, child protection laws are being ignored. Reports of emotional instability, coercion, and threats are dismissed. Breaches of the Children’s Act go unpunished.
There MUST be accountability by social workers, magistrates, judges, legal representatives, psychologists and all those who manipulate the system and parents for financial gain and/or prioritize their own interests above those of the child.
Statistics
- Over 30,000 reported cases of child abuse annually in South Africa*
- Less than 10% of cases result in effective intervention*
- Thousands of children remain vulnerable to ongoing abuse*
*Data sourced from official government reports and NGO research
What We Believe
- Attorneys appointed to represent children must have enforceable obligations to act in the child’s best interests.
- No child should be forced to spend time with an abuser or unsafe caregiver.
- The system often fails to listen to the child’s voice and experiences.
- Social workers, courts, and officials must be held accountable for protecting vulnerable children.
- Transparency and rigorous oversight are essential for systemic reform.
Our Mission
To expose and challenge systemic failures in South Africa’s child protection system by providing clear, documented evidence and advocacy.
How We Help
- Online Intake & Referrals: Our trained intake staff reviews reports submitted via our website or partners, providing expert information about the child protection system and referrals to relevant resources. We focus on empowering caregivers, social workers, and frontline professionals to navigate the system effectively.
- Case Monitoring & Support: Urgent or complex cases are tracked closely by our team, who collect and manage all relevant information and evidence to support ongoing investigations and interventions.
- Legal Advocacy & Resources: Where appropriate, we facilitate connections to pro bono legal services and provide attorneys with resources, research, and training to advocate effectively for children’s best interests.
- Court Observation & Public Accountability: Volunteers and staff attend court proceedings to monitor fairness, provide testimony when needed, and help raise public awareness.
- Training & Education: We offer training for volunteers, legal professionals, and community members to improve understanding of child protection laws and advocacy strategies.
- Community Advocacy & Watchdog Role: We engage with lawmakers, media, and the public to push for systemic reform, ensuring that children’s rights and voices are prioritized at all levels.