Mkumbira speaks about the ins and outs of social work

The NEWS met with the senior social worker of Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview, Rangarirai Mkumbira, to learn more about the role of the social worker in the community.This is in light of a newborn baby boy being abandoned in Edenvale during February.

Mkumbira said the circumstances of each case determine the type of intervention needed. She said each case is different and cases cannot be treated with a blanket method approach. She explained cases in the Edenvale area vary from abandonment, removals to emergency removal cases. Mkumbira broke down what occurs in each situation.

• Abandonment cases.

In cases of abandonment, whether it is done safely through a baby hatch or unsafely and the child is left in a public space, all abandoned children need to report to a Child Welfare branch or the SAPS.
“The authorities need to be contacted as an age-appropriate child and youth care centre (CYCC) or vetted foster parent needs to be found to home the child.”

• Removals

Mkumbira said investigations are done before the child/children are removed from a home.
She said a teacher, parent or community member may contact the welfare branch and inform the social worker of what they believe is suspicious activity.
“The concerned individual may notice suspicious bruising on a child and will bring it to our attention. We will then start monitoring the situation,” explained Mkumbira.
“The social worker will establish how the child is doing over time, investigate and take the necessary action.”

• Emergency removals

Mkumbira explained that emergency removals are conducted by the welfare and the SAPS when the child is considered to be in immediate danger.
She said although welfare social workers are not on call 24/7, police have the authority to remove a child in danger.
“Only social workers from the Child Welfare office, the Department of Social Development (DSD) as well as the SAPS may remove children.
“This is done with a Form 36 for emergency removals or with a court order.”

Mkumbira said although the social workers are not on call, they offer assistance or advice to officers who phone them after hours. She said in the case of an emergency removal, the investigation follows the removal. Mkumbira said removals, be it an emergency or not, can be traumatising on families.
She said in some cases they can do more harm than good.

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Mkumbira highlighted that no matter if it was an abandonment or removal case if it occurred in the greater Edenvale and Bedfordview area the case will eventually be handled by Child Welfare SA – Edenvale and Bedfordview’s social workers. Included in the paperwork is a report from a registered medical practitioner. The report allows social workers to assess the child’s health when they first make contact and to keep track of the child’s health while they are in foster care or the CYCC.

Mkumbira said the Children’s Act gives social workers 90 days to submit their final report of their investigation. However, Mkumbira said this length of time can vary from case to case depending on what needs to be investigated such as whether the child has any relatives. Although Mkumbira didn’t want to predict what 2021 will hold for the social workers’ caseloads, she opted to remain optimistic.

“I want to remain positive but in reality, when people call Child Welfare, they are calling us about a bad situation.” Mkumbira urged community members to report any forms of child abuse, neglect or abandonment to Child Welfare.

“Any cases to do with child protection within our jurisdiction must be reported to us or the police to ensure the child receives the best possible care.” The branch covers Edenvale, Bedfordview, Bedford Gardens, Bedford Park, Essexwold, Morninghill, Oriel, Senderwood, St Andrews, Buurendal, Eastleigh, the Avenues, Edenglen, Harmelia, Highway Gardens, Hurleyvale, Isandovale, Meadowbrook and Meadowdale.

Greenstone and Croydon fall under Kempton Park jurisdiction. The branch is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3pm. They are closed on public holidays.

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