Sue du Toit, the director of GCW, says that the dire circumstances of sections within the community has compelled the GCW to open a dedicated safe house facility to serve as a place of protection for children who are removed from their homes by the social workers.
"The increased pressure on the family unit means that the charity of individuals who open their homes to assist children in need just can't cope with the demand anymore. The number of beds required has simply outstripped what the community can provide. We have to supplement these with a formal safe house."
A major contributor to the problem is the increase in substance abuse and gangster related activities. The unpredictability of those under the influence of drugs like tik means that social workers must act decisively. The critical times are weekends and after hours.
The GCW Safe House is located at the former Jireh House in Montague Street, Blanco. Jireh House was bought with money collected by a KFM radio telethon in 2004 where local resident Denise Fraser's idea to have a home for children infected and affected by HIV/Aids became a reality. However, in 2006, with increased pressure by the Department of Social Development to standardise institutions of this nature, KFM decided that the house must be administrated by an NGO that already had a footprint in the affected community. The house was handed to GCW.
The house has been completely refurbished and upgraded and divided into two sections in which each one will operate as a family unit that can accommodate six children - the legal maximum.
Du Toit added that the facility will give social workers a short-term respite while investigating the circumstances to find the best option for the children. "The emphasis will be on therapeutic programmes while the children are in the house."
The house was bought and donated by KFM and the renovation is primarily funded by Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC).
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Gloria Harker, a volunteer at the safe house, ready with an instant meal if needed. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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