Child welfare comments on Kensington twins
“Edenvale Child Welfare is required to undertake investigations outside its area of jurisdiction.”
Child Welfare SA- Edenvale and Bedfordview raised concerns after photographs of a pair of abandoned baby twins were circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms.
The baby boys, believed to be premature and only a few days old, were found by SAPS officers conducting a routine patrol.
They were found on February 22 and a case of child abandonment is being investigated by the Cleveland SAPS.
Chairperson of Child Welfare SA- Edenvale and Bedfordview Pieter le Roux said even photographs of the children with their faces covered should not have been circulated.
“While the intention of soliciting donations is well-meaning, featuring the photograph and confidential information could be deemed as exploitative and compromising the rights of these babies, and thus an offence in terms of the Children’s Act,” said le Roux.
He said while obviously, the safety of the children is of paramount importance, it is problematic that SAPS brought them into a different jurisdiction.
“Edenvale Child Welfare is required to undertake investigations outside its area of jurisdiction.”
Le Roux said when the welfare was alerted of the situation, the social worker notified the court and the Department of Social Development of the situation.
“The removal to a registered place of safety was granted and actioned accordingly.”
