SEBOKENG SATELLITE OFFICE

The Tembisa community is a vibrant, well organised township that has prioritised the issue of safety for woman and children. The Local Programme of Action for Children is being piloted in this area and has given impetus to all stakeholders working collectively to establish a culture of child rights.

The Childline offices are situated at the Tembisa Multipurpose Centre run by the Ekurhuleni Metro, which is a youth centre that serves to develop young people in the area with a study centre, health centre, drama groups and a library.

Unfortunately our previous co-ordinator, Venice Mbowane has left us for greener pastures and it took 3 months to find the right candidate for the position. We are delighted that Moipone has joined the Childline team and have been encouraged by her commitment to the development of services.

SAFE HOUSE PROJECT

The Sunlight Safe House Project is currently training a further 25 parents in order to augment the 2 parents who currently offer short term foster care for the region.

CHILD RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAMME

Although every attempt was made to roll-out the Child Rights and Responsibilities programme in the schools, the volunteers did not feel sufficiently equipped to present the talks. A further 5 volunteers are currently in training to ensure that this project takes off this year.

COUNSELLING

Counselling Statistics:

Groups

ACTIVITIES IN SEBOKENG

Partnerships

We have facilitated and participated in the following partnerships in Sebokeng:

• Child Protection Unit

• Sexual Abuse Protocol Committee - all stakeholders dealing with children's issues including the Sexual Offences Unit (SASCA) who follow up cases of sexual abuse in the Criminal Justice System where children have experienced secondary abuse. The Department of Education is also represented for children who experience difficulties in the school system. Childline's role is to conduct psychological assessments when necessary for the criminal justice system. The Department of Social Development facilitates the statutory services to children and funding of special event for Child Protection Week. Nicro, Family and Marriage Society, Sebokeng Hospital and Mental Health Society all offer services to children and families

• Nicro

• Nyolohelo Catholic Church

• Sanca

• Polokong Children's Home refers sexually abused children for counselling

• Sebokeng Magistrate's Courts - refer sexual offences cases

• Sebokeng Hospital - referrals to the District Surgeon for the J88

• People Opposing Woman Abuse - referrals of women over 18

• Safe & Perseverance Shelter for abused women

• Groenpunt Prison Correctional Service - social worker facilitates communication between children and their fathers who are in prison. One family group conference was arranged at the prison and the father who perpetrated acts of sexual violence against his daughter apologised and this was very constructive for the child and family

• Alfa Trauma Centre in Vereeniging receives the referrals of children for trauma debriefing

• Vaal University's school wellness project

• Mental Health

• Arepp: Theatre for Life

Highlights during the past year

• Launch of Childline Sebokeng as part of our celebrations for Child Protection Week. The Sanca Superkids provided us with an anti-abuse drama, Boipatong and Marmorwa Moeketsi Crèche provided singing and dancing and all our stakeholders celebrated the establishment of Childline Sebokeng with great enthusiasm

• Vaal Vision, the local newspaper, celebrated the launch with a very positive article

• Very positive relationship with the Sebokeng Court who refer all their child sexual offences cases for counselling and forensic reports. A total of 30 court reports have been utilized to ensure that the impact of sexual abuse on the child and the child's disclosure is taken into account when trying the offender. As a result one offender received a life sentence for the rape of 4 of our clients

• Training in beginners and advanced play therapy skills

• Training by Kiddi Company in forensic assessments