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Children's Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005)

Chapter 8 : Prevention and Early Intervention

144. Purposes of prevention and early intervention programmes

 

(1) Prevention and early intervention programmes must focus on—
(a) preserving a child's family structure;
(b) developing appropriate parenting skills and the capacity of parents and care-givers to safeguard the well-being and best interests of their children, including the promotion of positive, non-violent forms of discipline;
(c) developing appropriate parenting skills and the capacity of parents and care-givers to safeguard the well-being and best interests of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses;
(d) promoting appropriate interpersonal relationships within the family;
(e) providing psychological, rehabilitation and therapeutic programmes for children;
(f) preventing the neglect, exploitation, abuse or inadequate supervision of children and preventing other failures in the family environment to meet children's needs;
(g) preventing the recurrence of problems in the family environment that may harm children or adversely affect their development;
(h) diverting children away from the child and youth care system and the criminal justice system; and
(i) avoiding the removal of a child from the family environment.

 

(2) Prevention and early intervention programmes may include—
(a) assisting families to obtain the basic necessities of life;
(b) empowering families to obtain such necessities for themselves;
(c) providing families with information to enable them to access services;
(d) supporting and assisting families with a chronically ill or terminally ill family member;
(e) early childhood development; and
(f) promoting the well-being of children and the realisation of their full potential.

 

(3) Prevention and early intervention programmes must involve and promote the participation of families, parents, care-givers and children in identifying and seeking solutions to their problems.