Durban Children's Homes

Our programs include: -

A Residential Programme

This programme caters for up to 60 children and youth, of both sexes, between the ages of 2 and 18 years. The 60 children and youth are housed in three units. The programme focuses on family reunification, that is, working in partnership with the family, extended family members and community supports, to ensure that the child/youth is returned home in the shortest time possible. During the time spent in our programme, young people are developmentally assessed, and provided with programmes, which provide strengthening and capacity building. This enables them to cope more effectively with life within their family and community.

The Siyakhula Treatment Centre

This is a 12-week residential programme for young people who are addicted to substances. The programme is strengths based and developmental, focusing on existing strengths and developing new skills, in order that the young person is able to make life-changing decisions and escape from the web of substance abuse. We run 3 intakes per year, accommodating 8 young people at a time. We target the 11-17 year age group. The programme encourages participation of family members, as their support and encouragement is vital to the young persons success in remaining drug free. Durban Children’s Home is presently the only children’s home in South Africa to offer such a programme.

The Amaqhawe Care Centre

This programme houses 14 children who suffer from life threatening chronic illnesses. HIV infection is the main cause of illness. The programme focuses on the emotional, spiritual and medical care of these children. Extended families are traced when necessary, and educated with regards to the needs of their children. They are encouraged to provide the child with emotional support, and are included in all matters relating to the health of the child. Access to ARV Treatment has provided hope and health to many of these children. Since this treatment has become available the focus of this programme has shifted from preparation for the death process, to adherence and laying the foundations for living positively.

The Isibindi Umbumbulu Community Outreach Project

Our involvement in this project is in partnership with the NACCW (National Association of Child Care Workers), and the community itself. The project provides developmental child care services to child-headed households, in the Bhekulwandle, Nsimbini and Ilovo areas of Umbumbulu, an area outside of Durban. Our role is that of managing, supporting and mentoring. The project manager leads this project by providing on-line guidance and direction to the team of community based child and youth care workers. We also provide guidance on management issues and networking with relevant resources. We service approximately 200 families at a time, all of which are either affected and/or infected with HIV/AID’s. The community child and youth care workers work with the family within their homes, securing education for children, assisting with accessing relevant documents, application for social relief and relevant grants, dealing with issues of child protection, educating on HIV/AID’s, helping children deal with the death of their parents and other family members and facilitating family group conferences.

The Khuthaza Life Centre Project

This is a new outreach programme, which was piloted during 2006. The programme is provided in partnership with I Care, who provides outreach services to children living on the street. The 12-week non-residential programme we offer through our Life Centre encourages young people to leave the streets and choose a healthier life option, this may be returning to their family and home or entering the child and youth care system. Each intake accommodates up to 10 young people at a time. They attend the programme daily from Monday through to Friday and for the 12-week period live in accommodation secured by I Care.