Hermanus Child & Family Services

Hermanus Child & Family Services (HCFS) — previously known as Child Welfare Hermanus — is one of the Overberg's longest-standing welfare organisations, operating continuously since 1944. As a Designated Child Protection Organisation (DCPO) under the Children's Act, they have a statutory mandate to investigate and act when children in their service areas are at risk or in need of care. They are staffed by qualified social workers and supported by a volunteer board.

Their services span statutory protection, foster care, early childhood development, and prevention — addressing every stage from crisis intervention to long-term family strengthening.

This organisation is relevant to you if you are a parent or caregiver in the Hermanus or Overberg area who is concerned about a child's safety, or if you are a survivor whose children have been affected by abuse or violence at home.

What They Offer Survivors and Families

Reporting Child Abuse If you are worried about a child, HCFS's social workers assess cases of suspected abuse and neglect and respond with appropriate action. To report child abuse in Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle, Hermanus Central, Sandbaai, Onrus, Vermont, and surrounding areas, contact HCFS directly on 028 313 0830.

Statutory Child Protection Services When a child is in danger, HCFS investigates and acts — including making applications to the Children's Court, facilitating emergency placements, and taking legal steps to ensure a child's safety. Their statutory mandate under the Children's Act means they can act with the authority of the state when children's lives are at risk.

Foster Care and Safety Parent Placements Where children cannot safely remain with their families, HCFS places them with carefully vetted foster parents or safety parents in the community. Safety parents receive children immediately after removal — requiring strength, compassion, and resilience to care for traumatised children in the short term. Foster parents take on longer-term care, typically until the child turns 18. HCFS actively recruits and supports both.

Three Foster Houses HCFS operates three residential foster houses in the community, each with a dedicated house mother and support staff, accommodating six children per house. These homes provide a stable, loving environment where children attend school and experience family life.

Family Reunification and Reintegration Where it is safe and appropriate, HCFS works to rebuild and strengthen family units — supervising, monitoring, and supporting the process of returning children home.

Early Childhood Development — Three Crèches HCFS operates three crèches serving over 150 children aged 3–6 in Mount Pleasant and Hawston, providing early childhood education, nutrition, and care in communities where ECD access is otherwise limited.

Prevention and Early Intervention Before crises escalate, HCFS social workers provide counselling, parenting guidance, therapy, and referrals for families showing early signs of stress or risk. Their early intervention work includes trauma-informed counselling, play therapy for children, life skills training, and mediation services.

If you are in the Hermanus area and concerned about a child's safety, call HCFS: 028 313 0830. For Westcliff, Hermanus Central, Northcliff, Eastcliff, and Voelklip areas, BADISA also provides services at 067 182 4211.