By More Matshediso
Pretoria - Cabinet has approved the submission of two Bills which amend the Children’s Act, 2005, to Parliament, says Minister responsible for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe.
Briefing reporters on Thursday, Minister Radebe said the amendments respond to court judgments, which declared certain sections of the Act unconstitutional.
According to the Children’s Amendment Bill, 2015 (section 75 Bill) – “The amendments addresses the definition of ‘sexual offence’ and aligns it to the Criminal Law (sexual offences and related matters) amendment Act No 32 of 2007”.
The amendments also deal with allowing the child offenders to make representations before their names are included in the National Protection Register.
He said the proposed amendments also clarify the requirement for placing a child in foster care and provides for additional categories of children who may be adopted.
The Children’s Second Amendment Bill, 2015 (section 76 Bill) aims to ensure that all children enjoy services and benefits aimed at facilitating access to social care and safety and to create an effective social welfare system.
“It also seeks to provide a safe and protective environment for the placement of children who are found to be in need of care and protection,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
