Janelle Huis in Evander cares for children and youth in distress
Children removed through the system end up at the Janelle Huis - Child and Youth Care Centre until the court decides where next, which in most cases will be an orphanage.
It is more than a job. One that not just any person can do. You can’t get too emotionally attached, yet you must have a world of love to give.
Founders of the Janelle Huis – Child and Youth Care Centre, Estelle Coetzee and her husband Jan, have seen and dealt with some horrific cases of child abuse, neglect and sexual assault that ended up in their place of safety.
From birth to 18 years old, children removed by social workers and the Family and Child Protection Unit, with whom Estelle works closely, are placed at the Janelle Huis and stay until the court system decides where to next, which in some cases is an orphanage.
When visiting Janelle Huis, you can immediately feel a sense of peace, safety, child-friendliness and a homely, family environment.
Since February 2001, Janelle Huis has opened its doors to more than 370 children.
“Most of the girls that come here have been sexually assaulted – by their father or a family member. In other cases, some children have been severely abused, not properly cared for or abandoned,” said Coetzee.
She said the most common form of abuse is children beaten with electrical cords, shovels, or anything parents could get their hands on.
Other cases are just neglect of a child by not being fed properly and suffering from malnourishment or being left at home alone for days.
“People must report cases if they know a child gets neglected, abandoned or abused. You can stay anonymous, but you have to report it. Should you know about child abuse or if their safety is compromised and not report it, you are an accomplice,” said Coetzee.
She said a child is better off in a place of safety or a children’s home or orphanage than in the environment of a home where they are severely abused and neglected.
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The children who end up at the Janelle Huis have experienced various types of trauma, and it takes a lot of patience, love and understanding to deal with the rebellion, anger and pain a child has gone through.
“You have to go to a child’s level. If you cannot feel sympathy, empathy and an overwhelming sense to protect and safeguard the child, you do not belong in a career like this,” said Coetzee.
Her biggest reward is to hear a child laughing and interacting with other children.
“This is my whole life; I cannot picture myself doing anything else.”
Children placed at the Janelle Huis usually stay 90 days or as long as the court process takes before going to an orphanage or family members.
“You bond with them. It is hard to see them go. However, we also see cases of children returning,” said Coetzee.
Routine is important for the children. They must know there is a place for everything and a time to play when homework is finished.
Coetzee said she also had her share of some parents ‘behaving badly’ during visits, which only happen on Sundays.
“We put in everything every day to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. Some of the parents forget they are the reason why these children end up here. We have visits because we have to go according to the court ruling. The system encourages family reunification.
“In many cases, children only come with the clothes they have on. They rarely come with a bag of clothes. Each child is given enough sets of clothes when they arrive and take it with them when they leave,” said Coetzee.
From the time they founded Janelle Huis, it purely relied on public funding and donations, but Coetzee managed to clinch a government subsidy in 2018.
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However, this does not mean there is not a need for financial aid and donations.
With the donations from businesses and the community, Coetzee has a well-organised setup where all donated items are stored.
Clothes for all ages and genders are marked and packed in sealed containers and ready for a child’s arrival. There is also a storage facility for non-perishable foods, toiletries and cleaning detergents. Containers are also marked for picnic outings or outfits for when they want to have a concert.
“The subsidy, fundraisings and financial contributions allowed us to extend our property with a living area for the children. We also bought a bus for transporting our children. We are now looking into adding a baby room next to our caretaker quarters,” said Coetzee.
Most of what the children have experienced at the Janelle Huis is more than what they received at home.
“The love and the care the children get from us is therapy for them. The food, clothes, soft blankets on the bed with their stuffed toys, a child-friendly environment and everything we offer, is therapeutically good for them,” said Coetzee.
If you want to know more about Janelle Huis, visit their Facebook page or contact Coetzee on 082 412 0196.
