Children’s Amendment Act
This section amends several definitions in the Children’s Act, including “abandoned child,” “cluster foster care scheme,” and “orphan,” and deletes the definition of “social service professional.”
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- Act 17 of 2022
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This section amends several definitions in the Children’s Act, including “abandoned child,” “cluster foster care scheme,” and “orphan,” and deletes the definition of “social service professional.” This section amends several definitions in the Children’s Act, 2005, including abandonment, a child-finding/adoption-care programme, and orphan, and deletes one welfare-work professional definition. This section inserts a definition for “social service practitioner.” A person with an interest in a child’s care, well-being, and development may apply to the High Court or children’s court for guardianship of the child. This section amends section 45 to require certain matters to be referred to the proper court and to set concurrent jurisdiction for guardianship matters.
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Provisions of Children’s Amendment Act
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Section 1 of the Children’s Act, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act),
This section amends several definitions in the Children’s Act, including “abandoned child,” “cluster foster care scheme,” and “orphan,” and deletes the definition of “social service professional.”
1. Section 1 of the Children’s Act, 2005 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for the definition of ‘‘abandoned’’ of the following definition: ‘‘ ‘abandoned child’[, in relation to a child,] means a child who— 10 (a) has [obviously] been deserted by [the] a parent, guardian or (b) care-giver; [or] [has,] for no apparent reason, had no contact with the parent, guardian or care-giver for a period of at least three months; or (c) has, if applicable, no knowledge as to the whereabouts of the parent, guardian or care-giver and such information cannot be ascertained by the relevant authorities;’’; (b) by the substitution for the definition of ‘‘cluster foster care scheme’’ of the following definition: ‘‘ ‘cluster foster care scheme’ means a scheme providing for the reception of children in foster care, managed [by a non-profit organisation] and operated by a designated child protection organisation or the provincial department of social development and registered by the provincial head of social development for this purpose;’’; 15 20 (c) by the substitution for the definition of ‘‘orphan’’ of the following definition: ‘‘ ‘orphan’ means a child whose parent or both parents are deceased;’’; 25 (d) by the deletion of the definition of ‘‘social service professional’’; This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za ukuchitshiyelwa Komthetho Wezingane, 2022 STAATSKOERANT, 5 JANuARy 2023 No. 47828 3 ino 17 ka 2022 UMBHALO OCHAZA OKUJWAYELEKILE: 3 [ ] Amagama agqamile akubakaki abayisikwele amele okukhi- shiwe emthethweni osebenzayo. Amagama adwetshelwe emthethweni osebenzayo. ngomugqa amele okufakiwe (English text signed by the President) (Assented to 22 December 2022) UMTHETHO Ukuchibiyela uMthetho Wezingane, wezi-2005, ukuze kuchitshiyelwe futhi kufakwe izincazelo ezithile; ukudlondlobalisa igunya lenkantolo equla amacala abantwana; ukuphinde uhlinzekele ngokunakekelwa kwabantwana abalahliwe noma abayizintandane kanye nezinye izindaba ezingalawulwa; ukuhlinzekela ngezinye izindaba ezihambisana nenye indlela yokunakekelwa kwabantwana; kanye nokuhlinzekela izindaba eziphathelene nalokho. UZOMISWA yiPhalamende laseNingizimu Afrika, ngale ndlela elandelayo:— Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 1 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba uchitshiyelwe isigaba 3 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007, isigaba 48 soMthetho 7 wezi-2013, isigaba 1 soMthetho 17 wezi-2016 kanye nesigaba 1 soMthetho 18 wezi-2016 5 - 1 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 1 soMthetho Wezingane, wezi-2005 (ozobizwa ngoMthethongqangi),
This section amends several definitions in the Children’s Act, 2005, including abandonment, a child-finding/adoption-care programme, and orphan, and deletes one welfare-work professional definition.
1. Isigaba 1 soMthetho Wezingane, wezi-2005 (ozobizwa ngoMthethongqangi), ngalokhu siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka esikhundleni sencazelo ‘‘kolahliwe’’ le ncazelo elandelayo: ‘‘ ‘ukulahla ingane’[, maqondana nengane,] kusho lapho ingane— (a) ishiywe khona ngumzali, oyigadile noma yisihlobo sayo; [noma] 10 (b) ngasizathu simbe, ingakwazi ukuxhumana nomzali, oyigadile noma isihlobo kuze kuphele isikhathi esingaphezulu kwezi- nyanga ezintathu; noma engenalo ulwazi ngokuthi ukuphi umzali, umqaphi noma umnakekeli futhi lolo lwazi lungakwazi ukutholwa yizipha- thimandla ezifanele;’’; (c) (b) ngokufaka esikhundleni sencazelo ‘‘uhlelo lomsebenzi wokuthola ingane’’ le lomsebenzi wokuthola ncazelo elandelayo: ‘‘ ‘uhlelo uhlelo lokwamukelwa kwezingane ezindaweni zokunakekelwa, olunganyelwe [inhlangano engakhokhelwa] futhi oluphethwe inhlangano eqokelwe ukuvikela abantwana noma umnyango wesifundazwe wezokuthuthu- kiswa yomnyango wezokuthuthukiswa komphakathi olujutshelwe le njongo;’’; komphakathi olubhaliswe ingane’ inhloko luchaza futhi (c) ngokufaka esikhundleni sencazelo ‘‘intandane’’ le ncazelo elandelayo: ‘‘ ‘intandane’ ichaza ingane eshonelwe umzali noma abazali bobabili abazali;’’; (d) ngokususa incazelo ‘‘uchwepheshe womsebenzi wenhlalakahle’’; 15 20 25 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 4 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
This section inserts a definition for “social service practitioner.”
4 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 Act no. 17 of 2022 Children's Amendment Act, 2022 4 (e) by the insertion after the definition of ‘‘sexual offence‘‘ of the following definition: ‘‘ ‘social service practitioner’ means any person registered in a social service profession or occupation with the South African Council of Social Service Professions as contemplated in the Social Service Professions Act, 1978 (Act No. 110 of 1978), to practise and render a service within the social service sector;’’. Amendment of section 24 of Act 38 of 2005 - 2 Verify source ↗
Section 24 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for subsec-
A person with an interest in a child’s care, well-being, and development may apply to the High Court or children’s court for guardianship of the child.
2. Section 24 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for subsec- tion (1) of the following subsection: ‘‘(1) Any person having an interest in the care, well being and development of a child may apply to the High Court or children’s court for an order granting guardianship of the child’’. Amendment of section 45 of Act 38 of 2005 - 3 Verify source ↗
Section 45 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This section amends section 45 to require certain matters to be referred to the proper court and to set concurrent jurisdiction for guardianship matters.
3. Section 45 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the insertion in subsection (1) after paragraph (b) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(bA) guardianship of a child as contemplated in section 24;’’; (b) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (j) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(j) a child and youth care centre, a partial care facility or a [shelter or] drop-in centre, or any other facility purporting to be a care facility for children; [or]’’; (c) by the insertion in subsection (1) after paragraph (j) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(jA) an unaccompanied or separated migrant child or a child who is an asylum seeker or refugee as contemplated in the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No. 130 of 1998); or’’; (d) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) A children’s court must refer any criminal matter arising from the non-compliance with an order of such court or a charge relating to any offence contemplated in section 305 to a criminal court having jurisdiction.’’; (e) by the substitution in subsection (3) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the following words: ‘‘Pending the establishment of family courts by an Act of Parliament, the High Courts [and Divorce Courts] have exclusive jurisdiction over the following matters contemplated in this Act:’’; by the deletion in subsection (3) of paragraphs (a) and (b); (f) (g) by the substitution in subsection (3) for paragraph (h) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(h) surrogate motherhood agreement.; and (h) by the insertion after subsection (3) of the following subsections: ‘‘(3A) The High Court and children’s court have concurrent juris- diction over the guardianship of a child as contemplated in section 24 of this Act. (3B) The High Court, children’s court and regional court have concurrent jurisdiction over the assignment, exercise, extension, restric- tion, suspension or termination of guardianship in respect of a child.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za ukuchitshiyelwa Komthetho Wezingane, 2022 STAATSKOERANT, 5 JANuARy 2023 No. 47828 5 ino 17 ka 2022 5 (e) ngokushutheka ngemuva kwencazelo ‘‘icala lokuxhaphaza ngocansi’’ le ncazelo elandelayo: ‘‘ ‘umsebenzi wezokuthuthukiswa komphakathi’ uchaza noma ubani obhalise njengomsebenzi wezokuthuthukiswa komphakathi okufundele noma obhalisiwe kuMkhandlu waseNingizimu Afrika Wabasebenzi bezokuThuthukiswa koMphakathi Abakufundele njengoba kuveziwe ku-Social Service Professions Act, 1978 (uMthetho 110 wezi-1978), ukuba asebenze futhi aphakele ngosizo emkhakheni wezokuthuthukiswa komphakathi;’’. Ukuchibiyela isigaba 24 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005 - 2 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 24 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa ngalesi sigatshana esilandelayo:
A person with an interest in a child’s care, welfare, or development may apply to the High Court or the children’s court for an order authorizing supervision of the child.
2. Isigaba 24 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa ngalesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(1) Noma ubani onentshisekelo ngokunakekela, inhlalakahle noma ukuthuthukiswa komtwana angafaka isicelo eNkantolo ePhakeme noma enkantolo equla amacala abantwana ukuthola umyalelo ogunyaza ukuqapha umntwana’’. Ukuchibiyela isigaba 45 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005 5 10 15 - 3 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 45 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
This section amends section 45 by adding and replacing provisions about children's courts, High Court jurisdiction, and transfers of certain criminal matters.
3. Isigaba 45 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokushutheka esigatshaneni (1) ngemuva kwendima (b) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(bA) oqaphe umntwana njengoba kuveziwe esigatsheni 24;’’; 20 ‘‘(j) (b) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (j) le ndima elandelayo: indawo yokunakekela isikhungo sabantwana kanye nentsha, ngokungagcwele noma [umpheme noma] isikhungo sokubeka, noma enye indawo okuhloswe ngayo ukunakekela abantwana; [noma]’’; (c) ngokushutheka esigatshaneni (1) ngemuva kwendima (j) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(jA) umntwana ongakhashiwe noma wokufika ohlukaniswe nabazali noma umntwana ofisa ukukhoseliswa kwelinye izwe noma ofihliwe njengoba kuveziwe i-Refugees Act, 1998 (uMthetho 130 ka-1998); noma’’; (d) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (2) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(2) Inkantolo equla amacala abantwana kufanele idlulise udaba lobulelesi olubangelwe ukungawulandeli umyalelo waleyo nkantolo noma icala elihambisana necala elivezwe esigabeni 305 enkantolo yezobulelesi enegunya.’’; (e) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (3) amagama andulela indima (a) lawa magama alandelayo: ukusungulwa ‘‘Kusalindeleke amacala emindeni ngoMthetho wePhalamende, iziNkantolo eziPhakeme [kanye Nezinkantolo zokwehlukanisa Umshado] zinegunya elikhethekile kulezi zindaba ezilandelayo ezivezwe kulo Mthetho:’’; kwezinkantolo eziqula ngokususa isigatshana (3) ezindimeni (a) kanye (b); (f) (g) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (3) sendima (h) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(h) isivumelwano sokuthwalela omunye umuntu ingane.’’; futhi (h) ngokushutheka ngemuva kwesigatshana (3) izigatshana ezilandelayo: ‘‘(3A) INkantolo ePhakeme nezinkantolo eziqula amacala abantwana zinegunya ngokulingana ngokuqashwa kwabantwana njengoba kuve- ziwe esigabeni 24 salo Mthetho. (3B) INkantolo ePhakeme, inkantolo equla amacala abantwana kanye ngokulingana mayelana iznamagunya nenkantolo nokunikezelwa, ukwenziwa, ukunwetshwa, ukubekwa kwemikhawulo, ukumiswa noma ukunqunywa ngokuqapha umntwana.’’. yesifunda 25 30 35 40 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 6 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
Section 6 is titled as an amendment of section 105 of Act 38 of 2005, as inserted by section 5 of Act 41 of 2007.
6 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 Act no. 17 of 2022 Children's Amendment Act, 2022 6 Amendment of section 105 of Act 38 of 2005, as inserted by section 5 of Act 41 of 2007 - 4 Verify source ↗
Section 105 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection
The Department must, as prescribed, develop and conduct a quality assurance process to evaluate child protection services and child protection organisations.
4. Section 105 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (5) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) The Department must, as prescribed, develop and conduct a quality 5 assurance process for the evaluation of— (a) child protection services; and (b) child protection organisations as contemplated in section 107.’’. Amendment of section 142 of Act 38 of 2005, as amended by section 6 of Act 41 of 2007 10 - 5 Verify source ↗
Section 142 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This section amends section 142 to update child-examination rules and add matters about the Registrar and designated child care and protection units.
5. Section 142 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for paragraph (f) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(f) prescribing the conditions for the examination or assessment of children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected, including the consent of the child for any such examination or assessment given the age and maturity of the child;’’; and (b) by the deletion of the word ‘‘and’’ at the end of paragraph (j) and the insertion after paragraph (j) of the following paragraphs: ‘‘(jA) prescribing the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Registrar of the National Child Protection Register; (jB) prescribing the criteria for the establishment and resourcing of designated child care and protection units; and’’. Amendment of section 150 of Act 38 of 2005, as amended by section 5 of Act 17 of 2016 - 6 Verify source ↗
Section 150 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This section amends section 150 of the principal Act by changing the categories of children covered by subsection (1) and adding new categories.
6. Section 150 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(a) has been abandoned or orphaned and [does not have the ability to support himself or herself and such inability is readily appar- ent] has no family member who is able and suitable to care for that child;’’; (b) by the deletion of the word ‘‘or’’ at the end of subsection (1)(h); (c) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (i) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(i) is being maltreated, abused, deliberately neglected or degraded by a parent, a care-giver, a person who has parental responsibilities and rights or a family member of the child or by a person [under] in whose [control] care the child is;’’; and (d) by the insertion after paragraph (i) of the following paragraphs: ‘‘(j) is an unaccompanied migrant child from another country; (k) (l) is a victim of trafficking; or has been sold by a parent, care-giver or guardian.’’. Amendment of section 155 of Act 38 of 2005, as amended by section 7 of Act 17 of 2016 - 7 Verify source ↗
Section 155 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
A designated social worker must investigate the matter and compile a report within 90 days; if the child is found to need care and protection, the child must be brought before the children's court for a hearing and the court must decide the matter.
7. Section 155 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) [Before the child is brought before the children’s court, a] A designated social worker must investigate the matter and within 90 days compile a report in the prescribed manner on whether the child is in need of care and protection.’’; (b) by the substitution for subsection (5) of the following subsection: ‘‘(5) If, after an investigation contemplated in subsection (2), the designated social worker finds the child to be in need of care and protection, that child must be brought before the children’s court for a hearing upon which such court must make a determination.’’; 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za ukuchitshiyelwa Komthetho Wezingane, 2022 7 STAATSKOERANT, 5 JANuARy 2023 No. 47828 7 ino 17 ka 2022 Ukuchibiyela isigaba 105 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba kushuthekwe isigaba 5 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007 - 4 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 105 soMthethongqangi
The Department must, as prescribed, develop and implement a quality assessment system to assess child protection and the child protection organisation mentioned in section 107.
4. Isigaba 105 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa ngokushutheka ngemuva kwesigatshana (5) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(6) UMnyango kufanele, njengoba kunqunyiwe, uthuthukise futhi wenze 5 uhlelo lokuhlola izinga ukuze kuhlolwe— (a) ukuvikeleka komntwana; futhi (b) inhlangano evikela umntwana njengoba kuveziwe esigabeni 107.’’. Ukuchibiyela isigaba 142 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba sichitshiyelwe ngesigaba 6 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007 10 - 5 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 142 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
This provision amends section 142 by replacing item (f), removing a word in item (j), and inserting new items (jA) and (jB) about child assessment and the Secretary’s powers and functions.
5. Isigaba 142 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka endaweni yendima (f) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(f) ukunquma imibandela yokuhlola noma ukuhlaziya abantwana abahlukumezekile, abalahliwe noma abadengwane, kubandakanya imvume yomntwana ukuba ahlolwe noma ahlaziywe ngokwemi- nyaka nangokukhula komntwana;’’; futhi (b) ngokususa igama ‘‘kanye’’ lapho kuphela khona indima (j) kanye nokushutheka ngemuva kwendima (j) lezi zindima ezilandelayo: ‘‘(jA) ukunquma amandla, imisebenzi kanye negunya likaNobhala woMqulu kaZwelonke wokuVikelwa kwabaNtwana; (jB) ukunquma yokusungula komntwana okufanele kanye nezizinda zokuvikela; kanye’’. nokuthola inqubo ukuvikelwa Ukuchibiyela isigaba 150 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba sichitshiyelwe ngesigaba 5 soMthetho 17 wezi-2016 - 6 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 150 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
This provision amends Section 150 by replacing and deleting text and inserting new paragraphs.
6. Isigaba 150 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (a) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(a) elahliwe noma eyintandane futhi [engenawo amandla okuzondla futhi ukungabi khona kwalawo mandla kuvele kubonakala] ongenalo ilungu lomndeni elikwazi nelifanele ukunakekela lowo mntwana;’’; (b) ngokususa igama ‘‘noma’’ lapho kuphela khona isigatshana (1)(h); (c) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (i) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(i) ongaphethwe kahle, ohlukunyeziwe, olahliwe ngamabomu noma walaxazwa ngumzali, omunakekelayo, umuntu okufanele abe njengomzali nonamalungelo noma ilungu lomndeni womntwana noma umuntu lowo mntwana [olawulwa] onakekelwa uyena;’’; futhi (d) ngokushutheka ngemuva kwendima (i) lezi zindima ezilandelayo: ‘‘(j) kuyingane yokufuduka engakhashwe muntu ebuya kwelinye ilizwe; (k) kuyisisulu sokushushumbiwa kwabantu; noma (l) idayiswe umzali, oyinakekelayo noma oyiqaphile.’’. Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 155 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba sichitshiyelwe ngesigaba 7 soMthetho 17 wezi-2016 - 7 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 155 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
A social worker must investigate the matter and prepare a prescribed report within 90 days; if the child needs care and protection, the child must appear before the children’s court.
7. Isigaba 155 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (2) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(2) [Ngaphambi kokuba umntwana afike enkantolo equla amacala abantwana,] Usonhlalakahle kufanele aphenye udaba futhi zingakapheli izinsuku ezingama-90 ahlanganise umbiko ngendlela enqunyiwe ukuthi ngabe lowo mntwana uyakudinga ukunakekelwa nokuvikelwa.’’; (b) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (5) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(5) Uma, ngemuva kophenyo oluvezwe (2), usonhlalakahle uyakudinga ukunakekelwa nokuvikelwa, lowo mntwana kufanele avele enkantolo equla amacala abantwana ukuzomulalela ngemuva kwalokho leyo nkantolo kufanele yenze isinqumo.’’; esigatshaneni umntwana oqokiwe ukuthi ethola 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 8 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
The children’s court may postpone the matter for up to 30 days at a time and may make interim care orders for the child. It must return a child in temporary safe care to the prior caregiver when required by this provision.
8 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 Act no. 17 of 2022 Children's Amendment Act, 2022 8 (c) by the substitution for subsection (6) of the following subsection: ‘‘(6) The children’s court hearing the matter may— (a) adjourn the matter for a period not exceeding [14] 30 days at a time; and (b) order that, pending decision of the matter, the child must— 5 remain in temporary safe care at the place where the child is kept; (i) (ii) be transferred to another place in temporary safe care; (iii) remain with the person [under] in whose [control] care the child is; (iv) be [put under] placed in the [control] care of a family member 10 or other relative of the child; or (v) be placed in temporary safe care.’’; and (d) by the substitution in subsection (8) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(a) must make an order that the child, if the child is in temporary safe care, be returned to the person in whose [control] care the child was before the child was [put] placed in temporary safe care;’’. 15 Amendment of section 156 of Act 38 of 2005, as amended by section 9 of Act 41 of 2007 - 8 Verify source ↗
Section 156 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This section amends section 156 so a court may keep a child with the current carer, return the child, place the child with a parent or family member, or require partial-care arrangements in some cases.
8. Section 156 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (b) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(b) confirming that the person [under] in whose [control] care the child is, may retain [control] care of the child, if the court finds that that person is a suitable person to provide for the safety and well-being of the child;’’; (b) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (c) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(c) that the child be returned to the person [under] in whose care the child was before the child was placed in temporary safe care, if the court finds that that person is a suitable person to provide for the safety and well-being of the child;’’; (c) by the insertion in subsection (1) after paragraph (c) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(cA) that the child be placed in the care of a parent or family member, if the court finds that such person is a suitable person to provide for the safety and well-being of the child;’’; (d) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (d) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(d) that the person [under] in whose care the child was must make arrangements for the child to be taken care of in a partial care facility at the expense of such person, if the court finds that the child became in need of care and protection because the person [under] in whose care the child was lacked the time to care for the child;’’; and (e) by the substitution in subsection (1)(e) for subparagraph (ii) of the following subparagraph: ‘‘(ii) foster care with [a group of persons or an organisation operating] an identified foster parent who is part of a cluster foster care scheme;’’. 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Amendment of section 157 of Act 38 of 2005 - 9 Verify source ↗
Section 157 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This amendment sets rules for a children’s court before it orders a child removed from a parent, guardian, or caregiver, including possible postponement and temporary care arrangements.
9. Section 157 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution in subsection (1) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of the following words: ‘‘Before a children’s court makes an order in terms of section 156 for the removal of the child from the care of the child’s parent, guardian or care-giver, the court must—’’; 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za ukuchitshiyelwa Komthetho Wezingane, 2022 9 STAATSKOERANT, 5 JANuARy 2023 No. 47828 9 ino 17 ka 2022 (c) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (6) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(6) Inkantolo equla amacala ezingane ethamele lolu daba inga— (a) misa lolu daba isikhathi esingadlulile ezinsukwini [eziyi-14] ezingama-30 ngesikhathi; futhi (b) khipha umyalelo othi, ngesikhathi kusalindwe isinqumo mayelana 5 nodaba, umntwana kufanele— (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) agcinwe endaweni ephephile yesikhashana lapho umntwana esagcinwe khona; adluliselwe kwenye indawo azonakekelwa khona ephephile; aqhubeke ahlale nomuntu [olawula] onakekela leyo ngane; [abekwe] ahlaliswe lapho [ezolawulwa] ezonakekelwa khona ilungu lomndeni noma esinye isihlobo somntwana; noma (v) Abekwe endaweni yesikhashana ezomunakekela.’’; futhi (d) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (8) sendima (a) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(a) kufanele ikhiphe umyalelo wokuthi lowo mntwana, uma lowo mntwana esendaweni yesikhashana lapho anakekelwa khona, lowo [owayelawula] abuyiselwe mntwana ngaphambi kokuba lowo mntwana [afakwa] wabekwa endaweni yesikhashana emnakekelayo;’’. owayenakekela kumuntu 10 15 Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 156 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba sichitshiyelwe ngesigaba 9 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007 20 - 8 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 156 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
This section amends section 156 by changing the wording on court child-care arrangements.
8. Isigaba 156 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (b) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(b) qinisekisa ukuthi umuntu [olawula] onakekela umntwana, uma ofanele angaqhubeka inkantolo ukunakekela inhlalakahle yomntwana;’’; [nokulawula] ukuthi lowo muntu nokunakekela ungumuntu umntwana, ithola (b) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (c) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(c) ukuthi umntwana abuyiselwe kumuntu [angaphansi kwakhe] omnakekelayo ngaphambi kokuba umntwana abekwe endaweni yesikhashana yokunakekela, uma inkantolo ithola ukuthi lowo muntu ngokuphepha ungumuntu nenhlalakahle yomntwana;’’; ukuhlinzekela ofanele (c) ngokushutheka esigatshaneni (1) ngemuva kwendima (c) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(cA) ukuthi umntwana anakekelwe umzali noma ilungu lomndeni, uma inkantolo ithola ukuthi lowo muntu ungumuntu ofanale ukuhlinzekela ngokuphepha nenhlalakahle yomntwana;’’; (d) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (d) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(d) ukuthi umuntu owayenakekela umntwana kufanele enze amalu- ngiselelo okuba umntwana enakekela ngokungagcwele ahanjiswe ilowo muntu, uma inkantolo ithola ukuthi lowo mntwana udinga ukunakekelwa nokuvikelwa ngoba lo muntu [angaphansi kwakhe] omunakekelayo akabanga nesikhathi sokunakekela umntwana;’’; futhi ahanjiswe endaweni (e) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1)(e) sendimana (ii) le ndimana elandelayo: ‘‘(ii) indawo yokunakekela [eneqembu labantu noma inhlangano esebenzayo] enomzali oqokiwe ozonakekela oyingxenye yohlelo lwezokunakekela;’’. Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 157 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005 - 9 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 157 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
This provision amends section 157(1) by replacing the opening words with text stating that, before the children’s court makes an order under section 156 to remove a child from a parent, guardian, or caregiver, the court must follow the listed requirements.
9. Isigaba 157 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) amagama andulela indima (a) lawa magama alandelayo: ‘‘Ngaphambi kokuba inkantolo equla amacala abantwana yenze umyalelo ngokwemigomo yesigaba 156 wokuba kukhishwe umntwana lapho anakekelwa khona umzali, umqaphi noma onakekela umntwana, inkantolo kufanele—’’; 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 10 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
A court may add instructions to a child’s permanency plan when it makes an order removing the child from a parent, guardian, or care-giver.
10 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 Act no. 17 of 2022 Children's Amendment Act, 2022 10 (b) by the substitution in subsection (1)(b) for subparagraph (i) of the following subparagraph: ‘‘(i) leaving the child in the care of the parent, guardian or care-giver under the supervision of a designated social worker, provided that the child’s safety and well-being must receive first priority;’’; (c) by the substitution in subsection (1)(b) for subparagraph (ii) of the following subparagraph: ‘‘(ii) placing the child in alternative care for a limited period to allow for the reunification of the child and the parent, guardian or care-giver with the assistance of a designated social worker;’’; (d) by the substitution in subsection (1)(b) for subparagraph (iii) of the following subparagraph: ‘‘(iii) placing the child in alternative care with or without terminating parental responsibilities and rights of the parent, guardian or care- giver;’’; (e) by the substitution for subsection (3) of the following subsection: ‘‘(3) A [very young] child who is three years of age or less who has been orphaned or abandoned [by its parents] must be made available for adoption in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period except when this is not in the best interests of the child.’’; and (f) by the substitution for subsection (4) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) When issuing an order involving the removal of the child from the care of the child’s parent, guardian or care-giver, the court may include in the court order instructions as to the implementation of the permanency plan for the child.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 Amendment of section 159 of Act 38 of 2005, as amended by section 8 of Act 17 of 2016 - 10 Verify source ↗
Section 159 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after
A court may extend a lapsed alternative care order or make an interim order for up to six months if good cause is shown.
10. Section 159 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the insertion after subsection (2) of the following subsections: ‘‘2A. A court may extend an alternative care order that has lapsed or make an 30 interim order for a period not exceeding six months on good cause shown. - 2B Verify source ↗
Notwithstanding the amendment to section 150(1)(a), an order placing an
A court may extend certain foster-care orders for an orphaned or abandoned child placed with a family member.
2B. Notwithstanding the amendment to section 150(1)(a), an order placing an orphaned or abandoned child in foster care with a family member in terms of section 156 before or on the date of this Amendment Act, may be extended by the court in terms of section 159(2) or section 186(2).’’. 35 Amendment of section 160 of Act 38 of 2005 - 11 Verify source ↗
Section 160 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This section amends section 160 to require a social service practitioner to follow the prescribed procedure, form, and manner when dealing with a child in need of care and protection.
11. Section 160 of the principal Act is hereby amended— ‘‘(cA) the procedure, form and manner that a social service practitioner must follow when assessing, screening, investigating, referring to the relevant authority and placing a child who is in need of care and protection.’’. 40 Amendment of section 183 of Act 38 of 2005, as inserted by section 10 of Act 41 of 2007 - 12 Verify source ↗
Section 183 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
The organisation running a cluster foster care scheme must register as a designated child protection organisation within two years, and courts may issue child-placement directions and temporary care orders in specified cases.
12. Section 183 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the substitution in subsection (1) for paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(a) The organisation operating or managing the cluster foster care scheme must [be a non-profit organisation registered in terms of the Non-profit Organisations Act, 1997 (Act 71 of 1997)] register as a designated child protection organisation within two years of this provision coming into operation;’’; and 45 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za ukuchitshiyelwa Komthetho Wezingane, 2022 ino 17 ka 2022 STAATSKOERANT, 5 JANuARy 2023 No. 47828 11 11 (b) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1)(b) sendimana (i) le ndimana elandelayo: ‘‘(i) ukuyeka umntwana anakekelwe umzali, umqaphi noma onakekela umntwana eqashwe usonhlalakahle oqokiwe, inqobo nje uma umntwana ephephile nenhlalakahle yakhe kufanele kube ikhona okubhekwa kuqala;’’; (c) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1)(b) sendimana (ii) le ndimana elandelayo: ‘‘(ii) ukubeka umntwana kwenye isikhashana esingumkhawulo ukuze umntwana ahlangane nomzali, umqaphi noma onakekela umntwana ngokusizana nosonhlalakahle oqokiwe;’’; indawo ezomvikela (d) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1)(b) sendimana (iii) le ndimana elandelayo: ‘‘(iii) ukubeka umntwana kwenye indawo ezomunakekela etheniwe noma engatheniwe amandla kanye namalungelo omzali, umqaphi noma onakekela umntwana;’’; (e) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (3) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(3) Umntwana [omncane kakhuliu] oneminyaka emithathu noma engaphansi oyintandane noma owalahlwa [abazali bakhe] kufanele kunikelwe ngaye kwabanye abafisa ukumkhulisa ngendlela enqunyiwe futhi esikhathini esinqunyiwe ngaphandle uma lokhu kungeke kumsize umntwana.’’; futhi (f) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (4) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(4) Uma kukhishwa umyalelo ophathelene nokususwa komntwana inkantolo ingaba- kumzali, umqaphi noma konakekela umntwana, ndakanya emyalelweni wenkantolo imiyalelo yokwenziwa kohlelo lokubekwa ngokuphelele umntwana.’’. 5 10 15 20 25 Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 159 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba sichitshiyelwe ngesigaba 8 soMthetho 17 wezi-2016 10. Isigaba 159 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa ngokushutheka ngemuva 30 kwesigatshana (2) lezi zigatshana ezilandelayo: ‘‘2A. Inkantolo inganweba umyalelo wokunakekelwa komntwana kwenye indawo osuphelelwe isikhathi noma yenze umyalelo wesikhashana isikhathi esingadlulile izinyanga eziyisithupha uma kunezizathu ezizwakalayo. - 2B Verify source ↗
Nakuba kuchitshiyelwe isigaba 150(1)(a), umyalelo wokubeka umntwana
A court may extend an existing order placing an orphaned or abandoned child in care with a family member.
2B. Nakuba kuchitshiyelwe isigaba 150(1)(a), umyalelo wokubeka umntwana oyintandane noma olahliwe endaweni yokunakekelwa nelungu lomndeni ngokwemigomo yesigaba 156 ngaphambi noma ngosuku lokuChitshiyelwa koMthetho, unganwetshwa inkantolo ngokwemigomo yesigaba 159(2) noma yesigaba 186(2).’’. Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 160 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005 35 40 - 11 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 160 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
Section 160 is amended to add a paragraph about the procedure a social worker must follow when assessing a child who needs protection and care.
11. Isigaba 160 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— ‘‘(cA) inqubo, indlela nohlelo umsebenzi wezenhlalakahle okufanele ayilandele uma ehlola, ebheka, ephenya, ebuka igatsha eliqondene uma kubekwa umntwana odinga ukuvikelwa nokunakekelwa.’’. Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 183 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba kushuthekwe isigaba 10 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007 45 - 12 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 183 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
An organization operating or managing a childcare system must meet the stated nonprofit/registration requirement and be appointed for the child within two years of the condition starting to operate.
12. Isigaba 183 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (1) sendima (a) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(a) Inhlangano esebenzayo noma engamele uhlelo lokunakekelwa kwabantwana kufanele [kube inhlangano engatholi nzuzo ebhaliswe ngokwemigomo ye-Non-profit Organisations Act, 1997 (uMthetho 71 ukunakekela njengenhlangano ibhaliswe wezi-1997] eqokelwe umntwana ingakapheli lo mbandela usuqalile iminyaka emibili ukusebenza;’’; futhi 50 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 12 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
The provincial department of social development or a designated child protection organisation must manage and operate a cluster foster care scheme in the prescribed manner.
12 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 Act no. 17 of 2022 Children's Amendment Act, 2022 12 (b) by the insertion in subsection (1) after paragraph (a) of the following paragraph: ‘‘(aA) the provincial department of social development or a designated child protection organisation must manage and operate a cluster foster care scheme in the prescribed manner;’’. 5 Amendment of section 185 of Act 38 of 2005, as inserted by section 10 of Act 41 of 2007 - 13 Verify source ↗
Section 185 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for
No more than six children may be placed in foster care with a single person or two people sharing a common household under a registered cluster foster care scheme.
13. Section 185 of the principal Act is hereby amended by the substitution for subsection (2) of the following subsection: ‘‘(2) [More] Not more than six children may be placed in foster care with a single person or two persons sharing a common household in terms of a registered cluster foster care scheme.’’. 10 Amendment of section 186 of Act 38 of 2005, as inserted by section 10 of Act 41 of 2007 - 14 Verify source ↗
Section 186 of the principal Act is hereby amended—
This section changes section 186 so children’s courts can order further supervision services, place a child in foster care with a family member until age 18 in certain cases, and requires a social service practitioner to visit a foster child at least annually.
14. Section 186 of the principal Act is hereby amended— (a) by the insertion after subsection (1) of the following section: 15 ‘‘(1A) Despite the provisions of subsection (1), a children’s court may deem it necessary to order further supervision services as contemplated in section 65(2)(a)(ii).’’; (b) by the substitution in subsection (2) for the words preceding paragraph (a) of 20 the following words: ‘‘A children’s court may, despite the provisions of section 159(1)(a) regarding the duration of a court order and after having considered the need for creating stability in the child’s life, place a child in foster care with a family member [for more than two years, extend such an order for more than two years at a time or] and order that the foster care placement subsists until the child turns 18 years, if—’’; (c) by the substitution for subsection (3) of the following subsection: ‘‘ (3) Despite the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), a social service [professional] practitioner must visit a child in foster care at least [once every two years] annually to monitor and evaluate the placement.’’; and (d) by the insertion after subsection (3) of the following subsection: ‘‘(4) This section does not apply to a cluster foster care scheme contemplated in section 183.’’. Short title and commencement - 15 Verify source ↗
This Act is called the Children’s Amendment Act, 2022, and comes into operation
This section says the Act is called the Children’s Amendment Act, 2022, and starts on a date chosen by the President by proclamation in the Gazette.
15. This Act is called the Children’s Amendment Act, 2022, and comes into operation on a date determined by the President by proclamation in the Gazette. 25 30 35 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za ukuchitshiyelwa Komthetho Wezingane, 2022 ino 17 ka 2022 STAATSKOERANT, 5 JANuARy 2023 No. 47828 13 13 (b) ngokushutheka isigatshana (1) ngemuva kwendima (a) le ndima elandelayo: ‘‘(aA) umnyango wesifundazwe wezokuthuthukiswa komphakathi noma inhlangano eqokelwe ukuvikela umntwana kufanele iphathe futhi isebenzise uhlelo lokunakekelwa kwabantwana ngendlela enqunyelwe;’’. 5 Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 185 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba kushuthekwe isigaba 10 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007 13. Isigaba 185 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (2) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(2) [Abangaphezulu] Mabangabi ngaphezulu kwabayisithupha abantwana ababekwe endaweni ezobanakekela enomuntu oyedwa noma ababili abahlala emzini owodwa ngokwemigomo yohlelo lokubekwa kwabantwana.’’. 10 Ukuchitshiyelwa kwesigaba 186 soMthetho 38 wezi-2005, njengoba kushuthekwe isigaba 10 soMthetho 41 wezi-2007 - 14 Verify source ↗
Isigaba 186 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa—
This section amends rules about children's court orders and child protection supervision, including yearly monitoring by child protection social workers and an exception for child care programmes under section 183.
14. Isigaba 186 soMthethongqangi siyachitshiyelwa— (a) ngokufaka ngemuva kwesigatshana (1) lesi sigaba esilandelayo: ‘‘(1A) Nakuba kunemibandela yesigatshana (1), inkantolo equla amacala abantwana ingabona kunesidingo sokuyalela somsebenzi wokungamela njengoba kuveziwe esigatsheni 65(2)(a)(ii).’’; (b) ngokufaka esikhundleni sesigatshana (2) amagama andulela indima (a) lawa magama alandelayo: ‘‘Inkantolo equla amacala abantwana, nakuba kunemibandela yesigaba 159(1)(a) mayelana nesikhathi somyalelo wenkantolo futhi ngemuva kokucubungula isidingo sokwenza ukuba impilo yomntwana izinze, ingabeka umntwana endaweni lapho azonakekelwa khona ilungu lomndeni [iminyaka edlulile kwemibili, yengeze futhi lowo myalelo ikhiphe iminyaka edlulile kwemibili ngesikhathi noma] umyalelo wokuba indawo enakekela umntwana iqhubeke nokusebenza umntwana aze abe neminyaka eyi-18, uma—’’; futhi (c) ngokufaka endaweni yesigatshana (3) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(3) Nakuba kunemibandela yezigatshana (1) nesesi-(2), umsebenzi wononhlalakahle [abafundele] abenza umsebenzi wokuvikela ingane [okungenani kanye njalo eminyakeni emibili] njalo ngonyaka ukuze baqaphe futhi bahlole indawo ehlala umntwana.’’; futhi (d) ngokushutheka ngemuva kwesigatshana (3) lesi sigatshana esilandelayo: ‘‘(4) Lesi sigaba asisebenzi ohlelwemi lomsebenzi wokunakekelwa kwabantwana oluvezwe esigabeni 183.’’. 15 20 25 30 35 Isihloko esifushane nokuqala ukusebenza komthetho - 15 Verify source ↗
Lo Mthetho ubizwa ngokuthi Umthetho Wokuchitshiyelwa koMthetho Wezi-
This section says the Act will start on a day set by the President in a proclamation published in the Gazette.
15. Lo Mthetho ubizwa ngokuthi Umthetho Wokuchitshiyelwa koMthetho Wezi- ngane, wezi- 2022, futhi uyoqala ukusebenza ngosuku oluyonqunywa nguMongameli ngokumemezela kuSomqulu. 40 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 14 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
14 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 5 FEbRuARiE 2023 No. 47828 15 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za
14 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za STAATSKOERANT, 5 FEbRuARiE 2023 No. 47828 15 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za - 16 Verify source ↗
No. 47828
This text is a Government Gazette header for No. 47828 and does not state any rule or obligation.
16 No. 47828 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 5 JANuARy 2023 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.zaPrinted by and obtainable from the Government Printer, Bosman Street, Private Bag X85, Pretoria, 0001Contact Centre Tel: 012-748 6200. eMail: info.egazette@gpw.gov.zaPublications: Tel: (012) 748 6053, 748 6061, 748 6065
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