From 19 July 2021 to 23 July, OFM will celebrate the caring people who work with those who need it most. Tune in to hear all about the great work Child Welfare Bloemfontein and Childline Free State, the Bloemfontein SPCA, Help-U Foundation, Lettie Fouché School, and Engo Free State are doing.

Childline Free State

Childline Free State is a non-governmental organisation registered as a non-profit organisation and as a Public Benefit Organisation. It provides child protection services to all children in need.

Sexual abuse and physical abuse victims are provided with protection, which could include the removal of a child to temporary safe care. It could also involve trauma containment services and social work investigations into the home circumstances to ensure the safety of the child and to prevent the abuse from recurring.

Specialised services, such as socio-emotional assessments, are offered to determine if there is a need for long-term therapy for the child. Childline Free State also determines whether there are any risks present in the child’s life.

Child protection services are offered to children and families where neglect has been reported. The families receive intensive professional services in the form of family assessments, parental guidance and individual therapy – with the aim of preventing the child from being removed from the caregiver.

Childline Free State also has a 24-hour helpline where concerns surrounding children and their well-being can be reported. The helpline is available 24/7 for children and their families who have been victims of violence in the province. All incoming calls are screened and assessed to determine the need for immediate assistance or telephone counselling. On average, 8 000 to 10 000 calls are received annually, evidence of the need for this service.

For more information, visit childwelfarebfn.org.za