End of June (30th – 2nd July), the NACCW conference was held at the CTICC, celebrating 40 years of work in Child & Youth care. The Conference was well attended by Child and Youth Care Workers and Social Workers in that field, as well as managers of various organisations who are partners within the sector. Many representatives from the Department of Social Development / Justice Department were also present.
The total number of persons registered for the 20th Biennial Conference was over 1500. Also attending were those from our other provinces, as well as delegates from overseas.
8 of Christine Revell staff members attended the Conference – Alicia Rhoda, Shireen van Reenen, Carmelita Stoffels, Anneline Scholtz, Elsabe Rudolph, Siziwe Alam, Rewena Hendricks and Bomkasi Zonke.
Amongst the guests were:
- Professor Jim Anglin (Phd) – keynote Speaker on the first day of Conference
- NACCW Patron – Don Materra
- The Minister – Bathabile Dlamini was the guest of honor on the second day
- DUT representative – Health Science Department – Prof Lina Puckree – Phd PT
Many topics were covered, but we realised you have to choose what is most relevant to you:
- The fluidity of Institutional roles and positions within the CYCC’s in the Western Cape – Heidi Sauls Phd –Social researcher – University of Amsterdam
- Fostercare Services – A Whirlpool or a butterfly by Prof Desiree de Kock UNISA – Department of Social Work
- Adapt the living space to the child’s need – Rolf Widmer –Swiss Foundation of international social service – Switzerland
- Progressive and innovative work within the residential Child Care – Robbie Henderson from Kibble Education and care centre – Scotland
- Making moments meaningfull – by Thom Garfat – Canada and Leon Fulcher (new Zealand
- “What should I do when…..? – Behavioral Support and Empowerment by Prof Nicholas Smiar – Iniversity of Wisconsin USA
- Steps to effective Advocacy for children and youth by Prof James Anglin
- Practical Methods for creating useful CYC strategies – by Jack Phelan – Canada
- The challenges faced by CYCW with regard to the discipline of children with challenging behaviour in residential Child and Youth care centres – Eddie Thesen
- My journey as CYCW – Alfred Harris
- and several more……………
The outgoing members that served on the Professional Board of Child Youth Care were gave a short overview, explaining how the field of Child Care, formerly perceived as a Nanny service, was now a recognised as a professional field – Merle Allsop, Barry Lodge, Ms Luthuli, Ms Sibiya, Adv F. Nalane, Ms M Makunga and Ms Maqina. We salute these members and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the work that they have done thus far. As mentioned by these members since inception of the professionalism – “It is only the beginning.”
It was great to see that more than 50% of the conference attendees were registered with the South African Council of Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) as Child and Youth Care Workers. This would also allow them to obtain CPD points for continuous professional development.
The Conference was well organised and overall good experience for CYCW’s and other patrons who attended.
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