Unaccompanied and separated foreign children in the care system in the Western Cape – a socio-legal study
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Abstract
This article reports on the findings of a study of foreign children
accommodated in the care system in the Western Cape, based
on fieldwork conducted in child and youth care centres. The
objectives of the study were firstly to map and quantify the
number and demographics of foreign children placed in all
CYCCs across the Western Cape. Secondly, the study aimed to
analyse the reasons for children's migration and the
circumstances around their placement in residential care
institutions in order to establish whether family reunification was
possible or desirable. Thirdly, the study explores the sufficiency
of efforts made to trace and reunify the children with their
families, whether in South Africa or across borders, as the
institutional placement of children should not only be a last
resort but it should preferably be temporary whilst family-based
solutions are sought. Lastly, the documentation status of the
children in the study was examined. Recommendations
emanating from the research conclude the study.
Description
Keywords
Foreign children, Child protection, Refugees, Asylum seekers, Child and youth care centres, Children's court
Citation
Sloth-Nielsen, J. & Ackermann, M. (2016). Unaccompanied and separated foreign children in the care system in the Western Cape – a socio-legal study. PER / PELJ, 19.