Childline

General information

Childline services began in KwaZulu-Natal in 1986 in response to the very high levels of child sexual abuse which characterize South Africa. Other provincial offices developed from this date with the National Office opening on 1st August 2003.
Childline South Africa is committed through the support and capacity building of its affiliates, to
• developing appropriate social services including a 24-hour toll-free helpline and supportive therapeutic social services for children who have been victims of violence, and their families;
• education and awareness raising programmes facilitating the prevention of violence against children;
• networking to establish strategic alliances with the aim of advocating for policy changes that will facilitate good management practices for abused children;
• research into violence against children within the South African context; and
• On-going training and development of staff members and volunteers. Childline South Africa is an affiliation of regional Childline’s. Each Province in South Africa, with the exception of the Northern Cape, has a regional Childline office to which the toll free line for children is directed.
The National Childline Office has a coordinating and development function. Staff is therefore kept to a minimum and the focus is on:
• the development of services to children through support of the Provincial Childline Offices;
• matters requiring a coordinated national input such as the development of new legislation and implementation of such legislation and policy;
• research; and
• training:
o on law and policy relating to children and its application;
o the criminal justice system professionals on issues relating to children as they interface with the law;
o intersectoral work and cooperation in child protection;
o therapy with abused children and their families;
o rehabilitation of adults and children who commit offences against children; and
o preparation of the child witness for court processes