Section summarised

How should children be CARED for? What is the standard of CARE according to the Children’s Act 38/2005?

Authors

Elmien Truter, Ansie Fouché
Publishers

Justice.gov.za
External link

Source
Related theme
Impact of abuse on children

Everyone might have a different idea of how to care for their child/ren or which standard of care is acceptable.

As a child protection social worker in South Africa, it is essential for you to know and understand: (a) how CARE is explained in the Children’s Act (38/2005), and (b) encourage your adult clients to apply this standard of care in the lives of their children.

What does it mean to CARE for a child according to this legislation?

A child is cared for, when his or her parent / caregiver:

Gives him / her a suitable place to live.
Offers him / her living conditions that promote healthy living and healthy development.
Gives him / her the necessary financial support.
Protects him / her from all types of maltreatment.
Respects and upholds his / her constitutional rights.
Guides his/her education, decision making and upbringing.
Guides his/her behaviour in a humane manner.
Has a sound relationship with him / her.
Accommodates any special needs he / she might have.
Ensures that the best interest of the child is always of supreme importance.

Practical tips

When you handle a case with a variety of allegations or problems, one of the things you could always keep in mind is this standard of care and use it to assess whether children on your case is actually being cared for in the way they should be cared for.
It is always helpful to educate parents about these CARE requirements and also to make reference to this definition when you make certain recommendations in your court report.
Find creative ways in which you can educate clients from different contexts, about how they are expected (legally) to care for their children.