Children removed from Samaritan Home once again
Their removal last week is seemingly as a result of management not following proper procedure in terms of the centre's new board. Funding to the centre was subsequently stopped by Social Development.
POLOKWANE –Â Destitute children staying at the Samaritan Children’s Home have been moved out of the facility again – this time over registration compliance issues.
In April last year, the children were moved to a place of safety after allegations of poor living conditions and neglect surfaced, and the Department of Social Development subsequently launched an investigation. At the time, the facility’s management contested the decision and applied to the court for an interdict to prevent the department from removing the children.
Read more: Neglect and poor condition allegations surround Samaritan House
Their removal last week is seemingly as a result of management not following proper procedure in terms of the centre’s new board. Funding to the centre was subsequently stopped by Social Development. Peter Galane, Operations Manager at the centre, confirmed that the children were moved in July. “We were told by the department that the children were removed because the centre does not have a recognised management board. It was a new thing to us that the board must be advertised in a local newspaper in three languages.”
He said they complied with this new requirement shortly after the children’s removal, by placing an advertisement in a newspaper. “The new management board was elected and we have submitted the names to the district office,” he said.
Read more: Samaritan House children moved to a place of safety as court battle continues
Samaritan Children’s Home, however, could have been given a conditional certificate and notice to ensure everything is fixed, he commented.
“The home has been operating since 2002. We have raised many children, some of whom have jobs today. For the department to close the operation merely based on an advertisement that wasn’t placed, does not make sense,” he told BONUS.
Meanwhile, Social Development Spokesperson, Witness Tiva, confirmed that the children were removed because of registration issues.
“The children were placed in foster homes, some were reunited with their families and others transferred to other centres.”
“Their certificate lapsed on 1 February and the department sent a number of reminders. Failure to renew their certificate led to non-funding,” he said.
The other requirement for compliance is soundboard management, of which they only submitted the documents in October. “Once all due processes have been followed, the home will receive certification. As the department we appreciate the work that they do but we must ensure they comply.”
Following months of postponement for the court hearing last year, the case was heard on 28 June at the Polokwane High Court and the home was granted another chance to care for the children on the basis that they would follow and adhere to rules and policies set out for Child and Youth Care Centres.
