The Children's Act and the Sexual Offence Act both establish mandatory reporting obligations to report abuse.

Failure to report is a criminal offence, but more importantly it could leave a child at risk without support and services. 

When do you report?

If you suspect that there was/is abuse or deliberate neglect, it must be reported to one of three authorities: a designated child protection organisation like Badisa Trio, the provincial Department of Social Development or a Police Official.

The compulsory reporting obligation applies only to sexual abuse, physical abuse causing injury, and deliberate neglect. However, there are many other circumstances that may leave a child in need of care and protection. In these cases anyone can make a voluntary report.

The full list in section 150(1) of Childrens Act, Act 38 of 2005, provides that a child is considered to be in need of care and protection if, for example, the child:

  • Has been abandoned or orphaned and without visible means of support;
  • Lives or works on the street or begs for a living;
  • Is addicted to a substance and without support to obtain treatment;
  • Lives in or is exposed to circumstances which may seriously harm his physical, mental or social well-being;
  • Is in a state of physical or mental neglect (see the full list for more examples).

If you find a child in any of these circumstances you can make a voluntary report to the appropriate authority. Complete Form 22; submit it to a designated child protection organisation or official, and a social worker will be assigned to do an investigation into the circumstances of the case.

People who MUST report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Section 11o(1) of the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005 mandates the following category of professionals to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse and neglect to the relevant authorities: correctional official, dentist, homeopath, immigration official, labour inspector, legal practitioner, medical practitioner, midwife, minister of religion, nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, religious leader, social services professional, social worker, speech therapist, teacher, traditional health practitioner, traditional leader or member of staff of volunteer worker at a partial care facility, drop-in centre or child and youth care centre.

Failure to report is a criminal offence, but more importantly it could leave a child at risk without support and services. 

REPORT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

If you find a child in any of these circumstances listed you can make a voluntary report.

STEP ONE:

Download and complete Form 22.

STEP TWO:

Email your completed form to one of the Badisa Trio offices (Bellville, Kraaifontein or Scottsdene), and a social worker will be assigned to do an investigation into the circumstances of the case.

BADISA Trio is only registered to deliver child protection services in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town. This includes: Bellville, Durbanville, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein and Scottsdene.

If you need to report a case outside of these boundaries please submit your form to your local Child Protection Organisation, Police Official or Social Services Office.