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Course content

A series of six modules examine:

The relationship between child health and children’s rights
Child rights principles and provisions in international and South African law
Laws, policies and programmes that give effect to children’s rights in South Africa
Making children’s rights a reality: in individual practice
Making children’s rights a reality: within the health care system
Making children’s rights a reality: addressing the social determinants of health.

Feedback from previous students

“What I have realised is that in our practice most children’s rights are not adhered to at all, maybe because Health Professionals and Allied workers are not aware of them.”

- Nurse, City of Cape Town

“I found the material clear and concise, and really appreciated the structure of the course. The area to cover is vast, and the legal language and interpretation is usually difficult. The course simplified and contextualised child rights very well. Besides my teaching to undergrads and post grads, I found that it inspired me to continue advocating for children. The difference now, is that I have a sound grasp of what the rights are, and can take on the challenges with this knowledge.”

- Paediatrician, University of KwaZulu-Natal and Department of Health: KwaZulu-Natal

Featured Publications

BRIEFING PAPER
RESEARCH REPORT
RESEARCH REPORT
LAW REVIEW
EARLY CHILDHOOD REVIEW 2017
HEALTH GUIDE

Shifting Attitudes and Behaviours Underpinning Physical Punishment of Children

Law review: South Africa’s progress in realising children’s rights

The purpose of this briefing paper is to assist policy makers and practitioners to make informed decisions about interventions that could support the development and implementation of policies and programmes targeting physical punishment. This briefing paper presents evidence on largescale interventions that have been used to shift attitudes and behaviours underpinning physical punishment. In light of the paucity of evidence in relation to physical punishment, the briefing paper also presents evidence on the effectiveness of large-scale interventions targeting other forms of violence against children and intimate partner violence.

Out of Harm's Way? Tracking Child Abuse Cases Through the Child Protection System at Five Selected Sites in SA

The study aims to document how the child protection system processes reported cases of child abuse, and make recommendations about how child protection services could be strengthened, to reduce the risk of trauma to children and breaking the inter-generational cycle of violence. In particular the study generates recommendations for the specific improvement of child protection services within the local setting.

Towards a More Comprehensive Understanding of the Direct and Indirect Determinants of Violence against Women and Children in South Africa with a View to Enhancing Violence Prevention.

The main objective of this report is to provide the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to Investigate the Root Causes of Violence Against Women and Children with a critical analysis of the risk and protective factors, or determinants, associated with violence (physical, sexual and emotional) against women and children in South Africa, as well as an indepth understanding of the relationship between the relevant variables, and to recommend practical violence reduction and prevention interventions.

South Africa’s Progress in Realising Children’s Rights: A Law Review

South Africa’s 20-year anniversary of the start of democracy is a good moment to take stock of progress in realising children’s rights, and to flag challenges in need of attention. This review of South African laws aimed at realising children’s rights was done to assess whether these laws have been designed and are being implemented in compliance with international and constitutional law. It focuses on children’s rights to birth registration; basic nutrition; social assistance; basic education; special protection when in conflict with the law; protection from violence; and appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment. Produced in partnership with Save the Children South Africa.

South African Early Childhood Review 2017

Children's Act guide for early childhood development practitioners

Early childhood development (ECD) services are needed to support the development of young children. With commitment from government sectors to work together, an essential package of ECD services can be delivered to all South Africa’s young children. This review presents a set of indicators to support inter-sectoral planning, delivery and monitoring of an essential package of ECD services, from conception to the age of six.

Children's Act Guide for Health Professionals

This guide is for people working in the health sector, and outlines the specific provisions of the Children’s Act that apply to health professionals. It explains the children's rights and principles that inform the Act and addresses difficult questions such as how to determine the best interests of the child, and whether consensual sex between adolescents should be reported. The guide also details the consent requirements for different health services, and explains what to do in an emergency, or in case of conflict between parents and the child. It informs health professionals of their mandatory obligations to report abuse and neglect and examines how to interpret these requirements in light of recent court judgements. This edition has been substantially updated and includes short cases from health professionals to assist with the interpretation of the Act.

Children's Institute