01/11/2026
Did you know? Section 150(1) of the Children's Act was amended, and there are now 12 circumstances in which a child is in need of care and protection. This includes a child who:
(a) Has been abandoned or orphaned and has no family member who is able and suitable to care for the child.
(b) Displays behaviour which cannot be controlled by the parent or caregiver.
(c) Lives or works on the streets or begs for a living.
(d) Is addicted to a dependence producing substance and is without any support to obtain treatment for such dependency.
(e) Has been exploited or lives in circumstances that expose the child to exploitation.
(f) Lives in or is exposed to circumstances which may seriously harm the child's physical, mental or social wellbeing.
(g) May be at risk if returned to the custody of the parent, guardian or caregiver, as there is reason to believe the child will live in or be exposed to circumstances which may seriously harm the child's physical, mental or social wellbeing.
(h) Is in a state of physical or mental neglect.
(i) Is being maltreated, abused, deliberately neglected or degraded by a parent, a caregiver, a person who has parental responsibilities and rights or a family member of the child, or by a person in whose care the child is.
(j) Is an unaccompanied migrant child from another country.
(k) Is a victim of trafficking.
(l) Has been sold by a parent, caregiver or guardian.
The amendments (Act 17 of 2022) came into effect on 8 November 2023 and added three new grounds: unaccompanied migrant children, victims of trafficking and children who have been sold. 📋
Child Protection in Action
