Poverty and family issues top Childline’s call enquiries
The highest category of callers pertains to Covid-19 at 1 316, which is a 99 per cent increase in health concerns compared to the same period in 2019.
Childline Gauteng serves vulnerable children and families every single day on its helpline.
The organisation, based in Parktown, reported on the work done since the State of Disaster was declared on the 27 March until 30 April, including a comparative analysis for the same time period in 2019. According to director Lynne Cawood, Childline Gauteng has answered 21 827 calls in the past 35 days, registered 17 919 contacts (a 67 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2019).
She said, “This represents a massive increase over the calls received for the same period last year.” Cawood said callers appear to experience some relief in moving from Level 5 to 4 and appreciate the reduction of the restrictions, allowing exercise and a return to work for some.
“However, there is still fear and panic regarding the reality of the long-term nature of the pandemic and the increased challenges they face,” she added.
The highest category of callers pertains to Covid-19 at 1 316, which is a 99 per cent increase in health concerns compared to the same period in 2019. Abuse is the second-highest category at 552 cases compared to 212 last year which is a 61.6 per cent increase. Cawood said, “We have facilitated 19 cases where children had to be removed from their families, and alternative placements needed to be found.”
She said family-related problems category has 267 cases which is a 77.5 per cent increase, and legal issues have 145 cases which is an 85 per cent increase. She said these cases pertain to care, parenting plans, and custody issues as well as single mothers struggling with great responsibilities. Poverty related issues at 166 cases are a 95 per cent increase and these result in hunger, homelessness (18 cases) and food insecurity as well as requests for food parcels, requests for the SASSA number and support in terms of warm winter goods.
Cawood said, “We continue to receive great support from community members demonstrating their concern and care for children, often to the point of putting themselves at risk, by taking them into their own homes. We are humbled by their high levels of care.”We thank our partners for your support enabling Childline to render these critical psycho-social and child protection services. We urge you to continue to support the vital work that Childline does in supporting children, families and communities.”
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