Alberton Record
Dire need: Help provide a loving home for children
Alberton Child Welfare is currently seeking foster parents to provide care for children in need from the community. The organisation is encouraging interested individuals to apply to host or foster children at their facility located in Alberton North.
The entity is facing challenges in meeting the high demand to accommodate children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or lack visible means of support due to a shortage of foster parents.
Foster care involves the temporary placement of children who require care and protection with suitable individuals who are not their parents or legal guardians.
During the 2023/24 period, the organisation reported that 697 children were in foster care, with approximately 142 new intakes. They also distributed nearly 400 food parcels, generously sponsored by donors.
The primary objective of the organisation is to remove and provide support to children in need of care and protection, ensuring their placement in secure environments. However, limited resources pose challenges in delivering effective social welfare services.
Alberton Child Welfare typically removes one to two children per week who are victims of severe neglect or abuse, often influenced by substance abuse and other underlying factors.
Anubha Mackerdhuj, the director of the organisation, expressed concerns over the insufficient number of foster parents, temporary safe-care options, or suitable facilities for these children, as well as inadequate resources for their provision.
Mackerdhuj highlighted the critical need for essential items such as children’s clothing, baby products, food supplies, and other necessities, as children brought to the organisation often arrive with minimal possessions.
Due to limited capacity, urgent removals from potentially dangerous situations are at times hindered by the lack of available placements for the children.
The organisation appeals to local schools, churches, and businesses for assistance in donating essential items to support their efforts in caring for vulnerable children.
For those interested in contributing to the sustainability of Alberton Child Welfare, they can contact the organisation directly at 010 109 6121 or reach out to Anubha Mackerdhuj at 083 658 6176.
