Effectiveness of Child Protection Services Rendered to Children in Need of Care and Protection : A Study of Childline South Africa
Effectiveness of Child Protection Services Rendered to Children in Need of Care and Protection : A Study of Childline South Africa
South Africa has 20.3 million children out of which 63% live in circumstances of extreme poverty. The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of child protection services rendered to victims of child abuse by Childline South Africa. A qualitative approach and an exploratory research design were used in conducting this study as these approaches allowed participants to share firsthand experiences on the issue under investigation. Purposive sampling method was employed to select participants for the study. Ninety participants were selected to participate in this study to share their experiences as former victims of child abuse counselled by Childline. The data obtained through in-depth interviews and document analysis was analysed thematically and supported by the relevant literature. The findings revealed that the different types of specialised programmes offered by Childline South Africa namely sexual therapeutic programme (for victims of sexual abuse); rehabilitation programme (for children in conflict with the law); and prevention campaigns against child marriage assist victims in recovering from a specific type of abuse they encountered and living a normal life. Furthermore, the legislation that mandates Childline ensures that all victims receive justice. The study concluded that Childline renders effective services to victims of child abuse. Recommendations drawn from the study, were that there was a need for creating awareness on services rendered by Childline South Africa in rural areas of South Africa, as not all citizens are cognisant of the existence of the institution. Furthermore, it was recommended that the contact details of Childline be displayed at all schools and police stations across the country to enable victims receive the assistance they require.
CITATION: Hendricks, Eleanor Alvira. Effectiveness of Child Protection Services Rendered to Children in Need of Care and Protection : A Study of Childline South Africa . : Adonis & Abbey , 2019. Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict Transformation, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2019, pp. 31 - 52 - Available at: https://library.au.int/effectiveness-child-protection-services-rendered-children-need-care-and-protection-study-childline-0