Safety parents temporarily care for children removed from unsafe homes while child-protection processes unfold.
Kaizer-Philander added that more volunteers are needed.
“Currently, we have 226 registered safety parents in our rural regions and 233 in the metro area. And these safety parents are trained to make sure they are provided with the necessary care kits. We also provide stipends to make sure that we assist them in the daily care of the children. But most importantly, these are volunteers who are vetted,” said Kaizer-Philander.
Kaizer-Philander has also stressed the importance of properly vetting prospective safety parents.
“We also look at the circumstances at home, those that are staying at home, to make sure that once that child is placed, the environment itself is conducive for the child and the child will be in a safe space. Also, in terms of training, that also provides the safety parent with the opportunity to opt. We also take them through the requirements in terms of the law,” said Kaizer-Philander.
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Camray Clarke
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