Durban Children's Home

Organisation Overview:

Our Mission:

We exist to promote a sense of physical and emotional well-being, through a safe and therapeutic environment, for children who are at risk because of neglect, abuse and orphanhood.  

VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

The Durban Children’s Home, operating as the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre, is a Non-Government Organisation. It was established in 1905 by a group of concerned men and women, who saw the need to provide substitute care to orphans, destitute children and children with parents who were unable to care for them.

In the past, the organisation provided custodial care to these children. When this method of child care became outdated the organisation was challenged to adjust its programs in order to meet the requirements of the transformation welfare policy in South Africa. This has ensured that the children, youth and their families referred to our programme receive an effective, efficient and relevant service.

We recognise the importance of early intervention, preventative work with children, youth and families, as well as family reunification. Programs with this focus ensure that families do not have to spend long periods in the welfare system, or in some cases do not have to enter the system at all. In order to meet this objective we have developed new, innovative programmes, which provide relevant services to the communities that we serve.

The children who access our programs come from all over Kwa-Zulu Natal. High levels of unemployment, poverty, crime, domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS are experienced in our province which results in many children seeking access to the empowering programs our organisation offers.

Organisation Overview:

Our Mission:

We exist to promote a sense of physical and emotional well-being, through a safe and therapeutic environment, for children who are at risk because of neglect, abuse and orphanhood.  

VISIT OUR WEBSITE 

The Durban Children’s Home, operating as the Durban Child and Youth Care Centre, is a Non-Government Organisation. It was established in 1905 by a group of concerned men and women, who saw the need to provide substitute care to orphans, destitute children and children with parents who were unable to care for them.

In the past, the organisation provided custodial care to these children. When this method of child care became outdated the organisation was challenged to adjust its programs in order to meet the requirements of the transformation welfare policy in South Africa. This has ensured that the children, youth and their families referred to our programme receive an effective, efficient and relevant service.

We recognise the importance of early intervention, preventative work with children, youth and families, as well as family reunification. Programs with this focus ensure that families do not have to spend long periods in the welfare system, or in some cases do not have to enter the system at all. In order to meet this objective we have developed new, innovative programmes, which provide relevant services to the communities that we serve.

The children who access our programs come from all over Kwa-Zulu Natal. High levels of unemployment, poverty, crime, domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS are experienced in our province which results in many children seeking access to the empowering programs our organisation offers.

Team outline:

We have an amazing team of staff who strive to make it a comfortable, happy and healthy environment for our children. 

Director of the organisation:      Mandy Goble 

Social Workers:                        Andile Biyela, Premie Pillay & Vuyani Mthembu

Child Care Manager:                 Ntombenhle Mkhwanazi

Senior CYCCW:                        Xolisile Mtambo & Mfanufikile Nyawose

Bookkeeper:                            Tasniem Mokarib

Secretary:                               Sarah Duthie

Coordinator:                            Bridget Govender

Resource Developer:                 Thina Hlophe

We also have an amazing group of Child & Youth Care Workers caring for our children and then the wonderful support staff who help make it possible for the organisation to function smoothly.

Children’s Homes:

This program accommodates up to 60 children and youth, of both sexes, between the ages of 2 and 18 years. The 60 children and youth are housed in three units. The program focuses on family reunification, and works in partnership with the family, extended family members and community supports, to ensure that young people are returned home in the shortest time possible. During the time spent in our program, young people are developmentally assessed, and provided with programs, which provide strengthening and capacity building. This enables them to cope more effectively with life within their family and community.

 The Amaqhawe Care Centre: 

This centre houses 14 children who suffer from life-threatening chronic illnesses. HIV infection is the main cause of illness. The program focuses on the emotional, spiritual and medical care of these children. Extended families are traced when necessary, and educated with regards to the needs of their children. They are encouraged to provide the child with emotional support, and are included in all matters relating to the health of the child. Access to ARV Treatment has provided hope and health to many of these children. Since this treatment has become available, the focus on this program has shifted from preparation for the death process; to adherence and laying the foundations for positive living. A sub-programme within the care centre now offers care to up to 4 children with profound disability, whilst children with mild disability are absorbed into the residential programme.

The Siyakhula Treatment Centre: 

This is a 12-week residential program for young people who are addicted to substances. The program is strengths-based and developmental, focusing on existing strengths and developing new skills, so that the young person is able to make life changing decisions and escape from the web of substance abuse. 8 young people are accommodated at a time and 11-17 year age group is targeted. The program encourages participation of family members, as their support and encouragement is vital to the young person’s success in remaining drug-free. Durban Children’s Homes is presently the only children’s home in South Africa to offer such a program.

The Isibindi Umbumbulu and Ndwedwe Community Outreach Project:

This program is offered in partnership with the NACCW (National Association of Child Care Workers), and the community itself. The project provides developmental child care services to child-headed households.  We currently manage two sites one in Umbumbulu, south of Durban and the other in Ndwedwe, north of Durban.  Our role is that of managing, supporting and mentoring. The project managers lead this project by providing on-line guidance and direction to the teams of community-based child and youth care workers. We also provide guidance on management issues and networking with relevant resources. Families are either affected and/or infected with HIV/AID’s and the service helps children deal with the death of their parents and other family members and facilitates family group conferences. Funding for this project is secured by the National Association of Child Care Workers.

Communities in which we are active:

Children and youth accessing our services come from all over Kwa-Zulu Natal. We have serviced children, youth and their families from Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni and Port Shepstone. However because reunification is key to all our programmes most of the children and youth referred for services come from communities in and around Durban.

End Beneficiaries:

The main beneficiaries are the children and youth, however because of the nature of the work families both immediate and extended benefit from the service which in turn has a positive influence on the communities that these families live in.

How will donations be used:

All donations received goes towards caring and providing for our children’s basic and therapeutic needs. For example; school fees, school uniforms, food, water & electricity, birthday presents, toiletries, clothing, extra mural activities, all types of therapy and all other running costs of the organisation.

Donations can be made directly to the following bank account:

Bank:        Standard Bank

Branch:     Gale Place Branch #: 042-526

Acc #:       05 122 038 5

Acc Type:  Current/Cheque

Acc Name: Durban Child and Youth Care Centre

Kindly fax through your proof of deposit to 031-2021330 or alternatively email to tasniem@dch.org.za.

For International deposits: Swift number: SBZA ZAJJ.

For an updated wishlist please contact Thina at Durban Children’s Home on 031 201 1301 or thina@dch.org.za.

Sponsor A Child:

/files/2011/10/Sponsor-a-Child-Brochure-inner.jpg”>Click here to read all about our exciting new Sponsor A Child at DCH initiative.

Our banking details appear above. Cheques can be made to Durban Child and Youth Care Centre. When making a deposit please include your name followed by the letters SAC and your email, as your reference.

All donations are tax deductible in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act. Your support will make a big difference in our children’s lives. Stop orders are most welcome.

Adopt A Room At Durban Children’s Home: /files/2011/10/Adopt-a-communal-area-at-DCH.pdf”> Click here to read all about our Adopt a Room at Durban Children’s Home initiative.

/files/2011/08/Adopt-A-Room-Article-Berea-Mail-31-Club.jpg”> Berea Mail article about Adopt A Room.

We welcome all community members to get involved in volunteering at Durban Children's Home

Volunteer work:

We welcome all interested members of the community to get involved in volunteering.

To get involved you would need to get yourself checked against the Child Protection Register and the Sexual Offences Register in order for us to comply with the Department of Social Development and the Children’s Act.

 Child Protection Register:

The form is on our website that you would need to fill out. Once you have filled this out we would need you to post this to the address on the form with a certified copy if your ID. You will then receive a letter confirming you are or are not on the register.

Sexual Offences Register:

The clearance against this register is mandatory. This register has not been opened up to the public as yet, however we do need this clearance in order for us to comply with the Department of Social Development and are referring individuals to The Guardian.

The Guardian is an organisation who specific clearances, such as the Child Protection Register and Sexual Offenders register, for individuals or organisation at a fee. You can contact them on 0310010101.

Another way to do get your clearances against these two registers would be to get a police clearance (this can be done at your nearest police station). This clearance checks you against all criminal registers.

Once you have these two clearances you can contact Thina on 0312011301 or thina@dch.org.za. Thank you for taking an interest in our organisation.