Parents have an important role to play in ensuring the teachers of their children are screened.

“The purpose of the CPR (Child Protection Register) is to ensure that children are protected from abuse. Employers or potential employers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

In terms of Section 126 of the Children’s Act (Act No. of 38 of 2005), all organisations working with, or having access to, children are required to assess and verify the suitability of their employees and potential employees.

It is also the responsibility of parents to ensure that those entrusted with the care of their children such as child minders and early childhood development practitioners, including volunteers in childcare facilities are suitable to work with children. This will ensure that the right people are chosen to work with children.”

This is a direct instruction from the National Department of Social Development.  The mandate from the Department of Justice regarding the compulsory screening of those working with children and the vulnerable against the National Register for Sex Offenders, also applies.

What does this mean?

Well, parents are entitled to ask the principal of the school, the SGB or the class teacher, whether those who will have oversight over their child has been appropriately screened.  The same would apply in the case of a creche, sports club, NPO, child care centre, private tutor, church organisation, etc., where the parent must approach the management or leadership of those organisations and to ask the pertinent question.

As parents, you have the right to know.

If you receive a negative response, please refer them to us (or our website) and we will help to explain the legal requirements and implications of mandatory screening and vetting.  Do not consider moving your child to another school.  That would be unnecessary.  Rather help the school or organisation to implement proper screening procedures so that ALL the children at that school or organisation can benefit and be safer because of your persistence.

As it is said in the classics:- “It takes a village . . . “.

In the interest of the safety of ALL our children.tart writing here...