Othandweni Family Care Centre

Registered CYCC (Child and Youth Care Centre); program of Johannesburg Child Welfare (JCW); court-placement statutory residential facility; not a GBV crisis service for adults. one of South Africa's largest child welfare organisations — Othandweni provides residential care in Mofolo South, Soweto for children placed via Children's Court order due to abandonment, abuse, neglect, or need of care and protection. **Services:** **1. Nursery (0–4 years) with the Granny Programme** 30 children in a nursery environment. Since 2011, Othandweni has pioneered South Africa's **Granny Programme** (funded by Spence-Chapin, USA): community gogos (grandmothers) are each paired with two children, providing consistent one-on-one nurturing, secure attachment, and early developmental stimulation — filling the gap left by the absence of a primary caregiver. **2. Five cottages (5–18 years)** 60 children in a cottage-style setup that mimics a genuine home environment. Holistic development across physical, emotional, and educational dimensions. Professional CYCWs and social workers. Mentorship programme for older children. **3. Therapeutic and social work support** All residents receive therapeutic programmes and active social work addressing the behavioural and social consequences of their early experiences of abuse and neglect. **4. Education, recreation, and community integration** All children attend local schools and participate in sport and recreational activities in the Soweto community — full participation in childhood. **5. Family reunification, foster care, and adoption** JCW's adoption and foster care departments work toward permanent placements for every child. Children stay at Othandweni for as long as necessary while suitable families are found. **6. Limited provision for destitute mothers / pregnant women** Limited space is available for destitute mothers or pregnant women contemplating the future of their unborn children. Confirm availability directly with JCW (011 492 9560). **GBV relevance:** Othandweni receives children from households where GBV, child abuse, and neglect have occurred. Referrals for child placement come through Children's Court and DSD social workers. For adult GBV survivors in Soweto: SAPS Mofolo / Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital TCC / GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428 (toll-free, 24/7).