THE SYSTEM IS FAILING OUR CHILDREN
The ICPU is inundated daily with complaints exposing the deep cracks in the child protection system.
- Police refusing to open cases or investigate child abuse;
- Social services unlawfully removing children without due process;
- Children are being placed in unregistered or unsafe care facilities where further abuse occurs;
- Social workers neglecting their duties after children have been removed;
- Children’s courts are making poorly investigated rulings that fail to serve the children’s best interests;
- Children are left in abusive or negligent homes due to the shortage of proper places of safety.
- Children are being trafficked through loopholes within the system itself;
- The National Prosecuting Authority selectively chooses which cases to pursue, leaving countless children and families without justice.
TELL US YOUR STORY
Tell us your story by completing the form below.
Take note of the following merits that would dictate whether or not the ICPU becomes involved or investigates the matter:
No report- no case: You must have proof that you have reported the matter to either the police, social services or other authority.
Timeframe since the case was opened: Cases where delays or prolonged inaction have placed a child at further risk will receive priority.
Cooperation of parties involved: The willingness of families, caregivers, professionals, and other role players to provide information and cooperate with the process.
Severity and urgency of the allegations: Matters involving immediate threats to a child’s safety, well-being, or life are escalated.
Systemic failures or procedural irregularities: Where due process has been ignored or rights have been violated by authorities or institutions for more than 2 years, will receive priority.
Best interests of the child: Above all, the child’s safety, dignity, and well-being remain the determining factor.
Pending cases cannot be investigated: If your case is still being managed by social services, police services or the courts – we cannot get involved.