South African Theological Seminary Christian Counselling Conference 17

South African Theological Seminary Christian Counselling Conference 17 th May 2008 “Alternative Parenting: A Solution To The OVC Challenge In South Africa ? ” PRESENTED BY GERT J JONKER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE BETHANY HOUSE TRUST 1

The Bethany House Trust n n n n Established 1998 Project of Child in Crisis Foundation (SA) Registered Children’s Charity (Supreme Court) Registered Non Profit Organisation (NGO) Registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) Mentorship program Zimbabwe Sister program USA – Cambodia / China 2

The Bethany House Trust (cont) n n n Residential Care n Babies n Toddlers n Boys <14 n Girls <14 n Independent Living Unit Boys >14 n Girls >14 with behaviour challenges n Shelter Street Kids Socio-Legal Centre n Intermediary Program Child Witnesses n Therapy – Schools n Reality Check – Substance Abuse n Crisis Line n Investigations Community Counselling n Statutory Social Work – Children & Families in Muldersdrift n Ikusasa – Schools n OVC (including CHH) Centre of Learning n Research n Curriculum Development n PPP n Master n APP n FRP Advocacy / Networking 3

Introduction: Unique Challenges I Think I’m adopted… 4

Introduction: Unique Challenges We’re not your real parents… 5

Introduction 6

Introduction: Constitutional Framework 7

Introduction: Constitutional Framework 8

Introduction: Constitutional Framework 9

Vicious cycle undermining social services for children 10

Number & proportion children living SA by province 11

Number & proportion children living SA by population 12

Number & proportion children living SA by age 13

Number & proportion children living SA by gender 14

Number & proportion maternal orphans living SA 15

Number & proportion paternal orphans living SA 16

Number & proportion double orphans living SA 17

Total number & proportion orphans living SA 18

Number & proportion children living child-headed households 19

Number & proportion children living in poverty SA 20

Number & proportion children receiving CSP 21

Number & proportion children receiving Foster Grant 22

Number & proportion children attending school 23

Number & proportion children going hunger 24

Infant mortality rate 25

HIV prevalence among children SA 26

Child deaths due to AIDS in SA 27

Number & proportion children living child-headed households 28

Shift in emphasis types of service interventions 29

Cost of implementing new Child Care Act 30

“Alternative Parenting” n n n Place of Safety Parent Foster Parent Adoptive Parent 31

“Alternative Parenting” n n Quick Cost Effective Sustainable Benefits Generations 32

“Alternative Parenting – What is foster care? ” 33

“Alternative Parenting – Children who can be placed in foster care? ” 34

“Alternative Parenting – Who can become an alternative parent? ” 35

“Alternative Parenting – Legal implications? ” 36

The Bethany House Model n Professional Parenting Program (PPP) n n n Master Training Program Alternative Parenting Program Family Reconstruction Program 37

The Bethany House Model n Alternative Parenting Program (APP) n n n Khulisani Abantwana Bethu Tertiary recognition Three Modules (Raise Our Children) n PERSONAL AND INTERPERSONAL ABILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR PROFESSIONAL PARENTING n ALTERNATIVE CARE: LEGISLATION, REQUIREMENTS AND OBJECTIVES n THE DYNAMICS SURROUNDING PROFESSIONAL PARENTING 38

The Bethany House Model n Five key components to this program n n n Theoretical training Support Practical work Work assignments Related activities such as interviews, screening visits, supervision, and telephone calls. 39

The Bethany House Model n n n Training: Preparation (100 hrs), self study (25 hrs) & workshops (25 hrs) 150 hrs & 15 credits Work assignments (100 hrs) & Portfolios (35 hrs) 135 hrs / 13. 5 credits Practical work in childcare environment 300 hrs / 30 credits Interviews, screening & supervision during training period 15 hrs / 1. 5 credits Total: 600 hrs / 60 credits 40

The Bethany House Model n n n Phase One: Preparation Phase Two: Screening Phase Three: Pre-placement Phase Four: Placement Phase Five: Post-placement (Support) 41

The Bethany House Model n n n Fall out rate of <2% vs. industry standard 65% 90% placement rate from residential care facilities Unblock child abuse management system 42

Conclusion n n Godly tool to serve OVC’s Strategic partners n Training n n n Regional Master Trainer/s Alternative Parent training Service delivery partners n n NGO’s Parents 43

Thank you Contact: Gert J Jonker Chief Executive Officer Bethany House Trust Tel: +27 82 900 7832 or +27 11 660 2763 Email: gertjonker@childincrisis. org. za Postal Address: PO Box 6 PAARDEKRAAL 1752, South Africa Physical Address: 21 Potgieter Street Monument 44 MOGALE CITY