Margaret's House

The transformation of the Child and Youth Care System in South Africa has adopted as a foundation philosophy that of the Native American and First Nations communities of America and Canada. This philosophy is centred on a fundamental respect for the child and an understanding that to develop a secure sense of self in the world, the child must experience a secure environment designed around education, fostering self-esteem, and empowerment of the child.

This philosophy does not incorporate authoritarian or punitive child care and youth guidance practices. This holistic approach is integrated with the most up-to-date drafts, guidelines, minimum standards and stipulations of the Child Care & Youth Care Industry, South African Legislation (Children's Bill), and the UN Convention.

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Each child has a Care Plan which is devised on the basis of a developmental assessment (by at least two multi-disciplinary team members) and which aims to assist the person in maintaining life-long relationships with their family or suitable alternative, and reintegrating within their community as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so. Day-to-day social work and child care work is based on customised treatment known as the Individual Development Programme (IDP) within the overall Care Plan.

THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SA CHILD CARE

Examples of the minimum standards are as follows:
The Engagement Stage: the orientation into the children's "home"; the new environment is not a substitute for a functional family but is designed to be temporary, and the child needs to understand this.

The Disengagement Stage: this is step by step, consultative
Limitations: the theory versus practice

Registration Number: 011-985 NPO

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