Employers urged to use child protection register

THE Department of Social Development has called on employers whose employees’ job responsibilities require them to work with or have access to children, to verify their suitability to work with children in line with the Child Protection Register (CPR).

“The purpose of the CPR is to ensure that children are protected from abuse. Employers or potential employers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of child abuse, neglect and exploitation,” the department said in a statement.

The call comes as the country observes Child Protection Week under the theme ‘Let Us Protect Children to Move South Africa Forward’.

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The 22nd anniversary of the Child Protection Week campaign comes at a time when South Africa has seen atrocious abuse and violence against children.

“Each day, children across South Africa come into contact with a number of people and organisations, some who are meant to protect them. These include schools, school transportation operators, hospitals, child care centres and religious organisations.

“Given the unacceptably high levels of child abuse, neglect and exploitation in South Africa, suitability checks for persons working with or having access to children is crucial as a preventative measure in the child protection system,” the department said.

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In terms of Section 126 of the Children’s Act (Act No. of 38 of 2005), all organisations working with or having access to children are required to assess and verify the suitability of their employees and potential employees.

It is also the responsibility of parents to ensure that those entrusted with the care of their children, such as child minders and early childhood development practitioners, including volunteers in childcare facilities, are suitable to work with children. This will ensure that the right people are chosen to work with children.

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