The objects of this Act are—
| (a) |
to promote the preservation and strengthening of families; |
| (b) |
to give effect to the following constitutional rights of children, namely— |
| (i) |
family care or parental care or appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment; |
| (iii) |
protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation; and |
| (iv) |
that the best interests of a child are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child; |
| (c) |
to give effect to the Republic’s obligations concerning the well-being of children in terms of international instruments binding on the Republic; |
| (d) |
to make provision for structures, services and means for promoting and monitoring the sound physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional and social development of children; |
| (e) |
to strengthen and develop community structures which can assist in providing care and protection for children; |
| (f) |
to protect children from discrimination, exploitation and any other physical, emotional or moral harm or hazards; |
| (g) |
to provide care and protection to children who are in need of care and protection; |
| (h) |
to recognise the special needs that children with disabilities may have; and |
| (i) |
generally, to promote the protection, development and well-being of children. |
Implementation of Geneva Conventions Act, 2012
