Pretoria:The Department of Social Development is urging stronger collaborations between government and communities to enhance care and support services for children with disabilities, aiming to alleviate the burden on parents and caregivers.
According to South African Government News Agency, this initiative coincides with Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), where the department underscores the necessity of coordinated efforts to ensure children with disabilities receive proper care and opportunities for societal participation.
A significant intervention by the department is the respite care programme, which offers temporary relief to parents and caregivers while maintaining appropriate care and developmental support for children. This programme is currently being piloted in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, benefiting 220 children and their families.
The department acknowledges that caregivers require support, especially those juggling caregiving with employment and other responsibilities. "Having time to rest and attend to other responsibilities is important for those who provide ongoing care to children with disabilities," the department stated.
In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the department is enhancing community-based respite care services, including caregiver training and improved referral systems. This initiative complements the Care Dependency Grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), which supports 179,609 caregivers monthly.
The department highlights that children with disabilities need assistance beyond education, including daily activities, rehabilitation, and specialised care. The United Nations Children's Fund Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in South Africa (2024) reflects the need, showing only 8,641 children with severe intellectual disabilities received support in special care centres in 2022.
To improve service access, the department collaborates with the Departments of Basic Education and Health, supported by JICA, focusing on early identification, referrals, and service coordination to aid families.
As the custodian of the Children's Act, the Department of Social Development promotes the rights and wellbeing of all children, including those with disabilities. Guided by this year's DRAM theme, the department emphasizes placing children and families at the core of service delivery, informed by the experiences of children with disabilities and related organizations. "Their care and development are a shared responsibility, and families should not have to navigate this journey alone," the department stated.
