Year Published: 2017
Authors: Lucy Jamieson, Shanaaz Mathews and Lizette Berry
Publisher: Children's Institute, University of Cape Town
Suggested Citation: Jamieson L, Mathews S & Berry L (2017) Strengthening the child protection system in South Africa. Cape Town: Children's Institute, University of Cape Town. [Policy brief]
Children have a constitutional right to protection from maltreatment, abuse, and neglect and a right to responsive protection services following abuse. However, three research studies conducted by the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, all conclude that the child protection system is failing to protect children. This brief summarises the cross-cutting findings from the studies that show that the law and policy is comprehensive, but implementation is poor. It concludes with a set of recommendations to strengthen the child protection system through improved practice and programming.