ACVV (Stellenbosch) Child Protection

About ACVV Child Protection

The ACVV (Afrikaanse Christelike Vrouevereniging) is one of South Africa's oldest welfare organisations, founded in 1904. It is one of only a few Designated Child Protection Organisations (DCPO) in the country, meaning it can render the full scope of child protection services under the Children's Act — from prevention programmes to statutory intervention.

Across 115 branches and 53 social work offices, ACVV employs 229 social workers and social service practitioners who serve approximately 320,000 children and families annually.

Services

• Statutory child protection — investigation of abuse and neglect reports, court proceedings, removal of children at risk, and placement in foster care or children's homes.
• Prevention and awareness — community workshops on child abuse prevention, substance abuse awareness, and positive parenting.
• Early intervention — life skills programmes, risk assessments, therapeutic counselling for children and families.
• Foster care and adoption — recruitment and screening of foster parents, placement of children, ongoing supervision, and facilitation of legal adoptions.
• Family preservation and reunification — working with families to address the root causes of neglect and abuse, with the goal of safely reuniting children with their families.
• Residential care — four Child and Youth Care Centres (children's homes) and two drop-in centres providing safe accommodation for children who cannot remain at home.

Who Can Access These Services

Any member of the public who suspects a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited can contact the nearest ACVV office to make a report. Parents and caregivers struggling with parenting, substance abuse, or family conflict can also approach the office for support. Services are free.