Abstract
This article is based on a qualitative descriptive study of the child protection system after 1994. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior social workers in management positions in the Department of Social Development and non-profit organisations in three provinces. The main focus of the article is on the structure, functioning and resourcing of child protection services in post-apartheid South Africa. Key findings of the study include the lack of an over-arching strategy for child protection services, the dysfunctional relationship between government and the non-profit sector, and inadequate resourcing ,
Highlights
The advent of democracy in South Africa encouraged many social workers working in child protection to believe that a new dawn had arrived
Provincial DSDs are responsible for budgeting and implementation of child protection services (CPS), which are provided at provincial and district levels (see Department of Social Development (DSD), 2011; Skelton & Proudlock, 2013; Cornerstone Economic Research, 2018)
Contrary to the principles of equity and integrated service provision contained in the White Paper for Social Welfare (WPSW), it is clear from participant narratives that there are many gaps in the coordination and integration of services that contribute to inequalities in service delivery to children, families and communities
Summary
The advent of democracy in South Africa encouraged many social workers working in child protection to believe that a new dawn had arrived Despite these early positive indicators and subsequent legislative and policy developments, changes in child protection practice have been slow. It was further noted that few children report abuse and neglect to the formal child protection system, and even when reported, cases “often fall out of the system or experience severe delays in justice, including child protection” (Optimus Study, 2016:69)
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