Greater Good South Africa

Every child has the fundamental right to safety and during the current Child Protection Week (27 May – 3 June 2012), Nazareth House would like members of the public to be aware of their Emergency Place of Safety. 

Nazareth House’s 24-hour Place of Safety resource works closely with the South African Police Service, Missing Persons' Unit and Child Protection Services. The facility provides a place of safety for abandoned babies and children who need to be immediately removed from dangerous or abusive situations.

Some examples of where a placement is deemed an emergency: A policeman arrived at Nazareth House at 1.30am one morning with two sets of twins: boys of 2 years and babies of 6 weeks old, all from the same mother. The mother had fallen ill and had been admitted to hospital. The father had not been able to cope and had disappeared. Neighbours heard the children crying and called the police.

In another case, the child protection social worker on night duty brought in four children under the age of seven. Their mother had died during the night and they had been alone in the shack with her. Fortunately the eldest little girl of 6 called a neighbour when she couldn't wake her mother.

If you are aware of a child in danger in an after-hours situation, call the number provided below, who which will then contact Nazareth House directly. Arrangements are then made for immediate accommodation of children in need.

These emergency placements are usually short stay. The Nazareth House staff work with the Department of Social Services to place the children with their extended family, in foster care, or in other suitable children's homes.

Members of the public can use the following after-hours phone number: 071 815 0920

For more information or to donate, call Nazareth House on 021 461 1635 or visit www.nazhouse.org.za