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up can be rectified. The question of accountable support structures available to the
abused child at present can be summarised as follows :
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The Children's Act No. 74 of 1983 focusses on the inadequate parent
rather than on the uncontrollable child. No provision is made in the Act
to accommodate parents who, because ofthe circumstances beyond their
control, do not earn enough to provide for the needs of their family.
Educational support structures in the form of school welfare services
could prove to be very supportive. School social workers could fulfil the
important task of liaising with the pupils, parents, teachers and welfare
services.
Teachers have an important role to play in child abuse cases. They have
a role to play in the detection and reporting of abuse; in working with
a multi-agency teamwork environment; in contributing to the ongoing
support and monitoring of the abused child; in preparing children to
cope with potentially abusing environments.
Social support is extremely important for abused children. Significant
others can help abused children maintain feelings of hopefulness, and
also provide practical support. Such support may be received from
professionals, friends, family and religious persons.
Regarding the accountable support for the abused child it can thus be concluded that
a number of welfare organisations (e.g. The "Christelike Maatskaplike Raad";
Pinetown Highway Child and Family Welfare Society; South African Society for the
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Child and Family Treatment Unit; Durban
Child and Family Welfare Society, etc.) are involved in attempts to render some kind
of support. The fact remains that the abused child is a "child" that should be assisted
by parents and the school in his process of becoming.