UPDATE: 35 Môrester children moved to places of safety
Allegations were made against one of the three centres and therefore the Department of Social Development had to intervene
UPDATE: Court orders the return of Môrester children
It’s been a hectic and traumatic 24 hours for the management and children of Môrester Children’s Home (Newcastle) and Home Meah.
Earlier today, 35 children from Môrester were forced to pack up their belongings and travel to a place unknown to them.
This action was instituted by the Department of Social Development (DSD), following ‘serious allegations of abuse’ against the Môrester Children’s Home in Ladysmith.
Yesterday 150 children from Môrester Ladysmith were removed from the facility as a result.
An official of Môrester Newcastle explained how these three branches are linked.
“Môrester Ladysmith, Môrester Newcastle and Home Meah are three separate child care centres but share the same NPO number, so they’re registered as one company. It doesn’t matter what happened at one of the homes because we are all implicated in this.”
He went on to say that DSD had to intervene as quickly as possible in the interests of the children, and states an investigation will commence on Monday morning.
“The allegations overrule any court order and that’s why it is necessary to all the department to proceed.”
Parents and caregivers are not satisfied with the conduct of DSD, agreeing they were not informed where the children will be housed or even which town in KZN they will be taken to.
They also claim siblings have been taken to separate places of safety, leaving the children traumatised.
However, officials say where the children are being moved to cannot be disclosed as in accordance with the Child Protection Act.
It has since been alleged the children will be house in Ulundi at some point.
In whose care are the children being placed?
The social worker signs off care of the children to DSD, which then takes responsibility for removing and placing the children elsewhere.
What about the children attending school and those who have special needs?
DSD claims it has taken that into consideration and will place the children accordingly.
While officials of DSD addressed the children and explained the necessary move, an unanimous objection from the children filled the home’s hall.
The children expressed their emotions by displaying posters that read: ” This is our home”, “We are going to stay right here” and refused to be taken from the home.
Speaking on behalf of Home Meah, Susan Theunissen said no communication was given to them
“We did not receive any official communication from DSD as to why the kids must be moved. The case managers here now were sent by the department but also haven’t communicated anything. They are only saying they have been sent, and they don’t have any further information.”
Theunissen added they are worried about the children’s emotional states
“We are concerned for the children’s emotional wellbeing. Most of them were crying hysterically when they were taken last night. 10 kids were already taken last night and they will be taking six more today. We hear they are taking them out of town. These kids were not even emotionally prepared for such a move. It’s very saddening and heartbreaking to us.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Help save the children of Môrester in Newcastle
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