Centres turn attention to documentation of children
It is estimated that one million vulnerable children across the country do not have access to documentation.
More than 100 Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC) representatives participated in a conference hosted at the Lakes Hotel and Conference Centre from January 30 to 31.
Hosted by Kids Haven and the Scalabrini Centre in Cape Town, delegates from child protection organisations and early childhood development centres (ECD) from as far afield as the West Rand and eMalahleni converged to discuss the various challenges in procuring citizenship and documentation for children in its care.
According to statistics released by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), it is estimated that there are currently 250 000 unregistered children country-wide.
However, Sindi Moyo of Scalabrini Centre paints a bleaker picture, saying it is estimated that one million children do not have birth certificates, with the highest number being in Gauteng.
“There are various factors which lead to children not being registered and subsequently not being issued birth certificates,” said Moyo.
“The most prevalent is children being abandoned at birth, while other factors include parents not being registered and, therefore, being unable to register their children.
“It is a vicious cycle which leaves children in limbo without an identity or access to basic services such as education or health care.”
Interjecting, Sam Mokyopha, the CEO of Kids Haven, said the state, through the assistance of the Department of Social Development, raises children in the care of CYCCs. However, the red tape in acquiring documentation sets them up for failure.
“In some cases, it can take up to five years for centres to be issued with birth certificates for children in its care,” said Mokyopha.
“For some, this could mean they have missed out on the vital foundation phase learning or high levels of formal education.
“It is unthinkable that the government would invest in the safety and care of children, yet a lack of support in terms of documentation could rob these vulnerable souls of achieving their full potential.”
By hosting the information-sharing conference and discussing case studies, it is hoped CYCCs would be able to draft recommendations in terms of the Child Protection Act to prompt the DoHA to reach a common understanding in streamlining the documentation process.
“We are not looking for loopholes. We need to work within an effective framework to get our children adequately documented,” said Annelie du Plessis of Kids Justice, the legal support division of Kids Haven.
“Through proper documentation, the relevant departments will have access to accurate census of the needs of its people, especially children.
“These statistics are vital in formulating budgetary allocations in terms of child protection services, education and the creation of employment opportunities.”
Speaking to the delegates, Moyo continued, saying current legislation is not child-centred, but through corroborative partnerships, the onus rests with CYCCs to effectively sound the alarm on their challenges.
