As South Africa commemorates Child Protection Week under the theme “Protecting South African Children, 30 Years On,” we are reminded of the critical need for a holistic approach to child development and care. Recent findings from the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) underscore the importance of holistic approaches to child protection and wellbeing, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Established through a Community of Practice (CoP) to improve social outcomes for children, the research demonstrates the power of placing children and their families at the heart of an integrated social support network. In line with integrated services, the CoP convened a multidisciplinary group of researchers, service providers, governmental and non-governmental agencies from key social sectors and international organisations such as Save the Children and UNICEF. Taking a whole child approach, the CoP puts children and their families at the centre of a social support system and provided tailored and integrated health, education, mental health and welfare support services and interventions based on data gathered from children, caregivers and teachers. The project aimed to disrupt cycles of disadvantage in South Africa by improving children’s wellbeing outcomes through collaborative service provision by key role players. “The study tracks the impact of the pandemic on 123 children and families. It shows that we have made progress, but many of the problems they face have ‘hardened’ over time,” explains Professor Patel, lead researcher.
Professor Leila Patel, also highlights the multifaceted nature of child well-being, emphasizing the progress made and the challenges that remain. “We’ve seen a reduction in child hunger and caregiver depression levels, improved responsiveness to children’s health needs, and better school participation,” she says. Despite these strides, the pandemic has left deep scars. Economic hardships, high unemployment rates, and financial instability continue to threaten the stability of many families. This reality underscores the importance of sustained investment in both social grants and support services. Social grants have played a crucial role in mitigating financial constraints, yet the low values of the grants, well below the food poverty line means that they are insufficient to meet the basic needs of children and families.
Holistic child development also goes beyond meeting material needs; it encompasses emotional, social, and cognitive growth. This is evident in the project’s multi-dimensional focus, which includes enhancing children’s physical health, supporting caregivers’ mental health, and fostering strong community ties. “The data speaks for itself. It gives us insight into the dynamics and implications of policy choices at a time of multiple and intersecting crises”, Professor Patel elaborates.
The CoP project’s holistic approach also emphasizes the importance of early investment in children and their families. By focusing on the foundation school years, grade R to grades 2, the project ensures that children receive the support they need during the most critical stages of their development. This early intervention is crucial for fostering resilience and enabling children to thrive despite external challenges.
As South Africa marks 30 years of child protection efforts, this research serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities children face. It calls for a renewed commitment to holistic child development and care, recognizing that the well-being of our children is intricately linked to the health and stability of their families and communities. “This research shows that if we want to protect the well-being of our children, we need to provide both social grants and social support services. South Africa is facing a deepening economic crisis, and this research provides pointers to help make carefully considered social investment decisions that can improve child well-being,” says Professor Patel.
In celebrating three decades of child protection, let us renew our pledge to invest in comprehensive support systems that nurture every aspect of a child’s growth. By doing so, we can ensure that our children not only survive but thrive, reaching their full potential in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. The future of South Africa depends on the well-being of its children, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture them every step of the way.
