Transforming Lives with
Heart and Action
Joburg Child Welfare is committed to nurturing, supporting, and empowering the children of Johannesburg. We envision a world where every child is protected and cherished, working tirelessly to make this a reality. Join us in shaping a brighter future.
our intention
Vision
We envision a future where every child is safe, nurtured, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Mission
By living our values and serving with passion we protect, empower, and care for children, families, and communities in need while safeguarding their rights, wellbeing, and dignity.
Values
People-centered professional service delivery.
Services delivered with integrity.
A caring approach in all our activities.
Being accessible to our clients.
Being accountable to each of our stakeholders.
WHAT WE DO
Social Work Services
JCW is an accredited Child Protection Organisation and Adoption Agency. Our social work departments are highly specialised with decades of experience in statutory work, adoptions and managing foster care placements. Intake services are provided for children up to the age of 12 who are at risk from abuse, abandonment or neglect.
Gender Based Violence Programmes
South Africa has some of the highest rates of Gender Based Violence in the world which largely impacts on children and women. CATTS (Child Abuse Treatment and Training Services) is widely recognised for its expertise in preventing, detecting and treating child sexual abuse. It trains other service providers in issues related to child sexual abuse and child protection. CATTS is also a valuable stakeholder in the Nthabiseng Thuthuzela Care Centre based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which is a one stop facility for rape survivors.
JCW works with NACOSA (Networking HIV/AIDS Community of Southern Africa) in its on the ground, community-based Violence Prevention and Linkages Responses, focusing mainly on girls and women.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Othandweni Family Care Centre
Nestled in the heart of Soweto, the Othandweni Family Care Centre offers a sanctuary of hope and healing for up to 90 children, ranging from newborns to teens. Children are placed here via Court Order and within our walls, they can find a new beginning in the wake of abandonment, neglect, or separation from family.
Children up to the age of 4 years are cared for in a Nursery environment.
For children over the age of five, our cottage setup mimics a true home environment that fosters holistic development across physical, emotional, and educational spectrums. Life at Othandweni encompasses therapeutic programmes for empowerment as well as diverse recreational activities, ensuring that every child at Othandweni experiences childhood.
In addition to professional care and support, Othandweni has pioneered the “Granny Programme” in South Africa (funded by Spence-Chapin) since 2011. Young hearts have been connected with the wisdom and warmth of community ‘Gogos’, offering the invaluable gift of primary care attachment and early developmental encouragement. Meanwhile, our older children benefit from the guidance and support of personal mentors, helping pave their paths toward bright futures.
In every aspect, Othandweni is more than a Child and Youth Care Centre —it’s a foundation for life’s journey, rooted in love, learning, and the promise of tomorrow.
Princess Alice Care Centre
Officially called “Princess Alice Adoption Home”, this Centre is one of JCW’s oldest programmes. Located in the leafy suburb Westcliff area, Princess Alice (PA) provides a place of safety for up to 30 babies and toddlers (aged newborn to three years old. The children have been found to be in need of care and protection because of abandonment, neglect or abuse. They are placed in care via orders from the Children’s Court.
PA’s mission is to ensure that each child transitions into a “forever family” as swiftly as possible, promoting a life of stability and love. Until then, we are committed to meeting every need—nutrition, medical care, affection, and early learning opportunities—mirroring the nurturing environment of a family.
Echoing the success of Othandweni, our Granny Programme provides tailored, one-on-one nurturing, fostering secure attachments and encouraging developmental milestones. Each ‘Gogo’ partners with two children, offering focused care and stimulation. The programme is supported by Spence-Chapin (USA).
Elton John Masibambisane Community Centre
The Elton John Masibambisane Centre, affectionately known as “Masi,” provides on the ground support to children and families from Eldorado Park and its surrounding areas, including several informal settlements. These communities face challenges such as high crime, poverty, domestic violence, unemployment, and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, all of which have a profound impact on the people living there.
Masi’s core mission is to support orphaned and vulnerable children within their own communities, aiming to sustain functioning family units. Through our registered Early Childhood Development Centre and various afterschool programmes, we reach over 350 beneficiaries annually, offering education and care that nurture their potential.
Beyond educational support, Masi actively engages in outreach projects targeting poverty, abuse, chronic illness, and the stigma around HIV/AIDS. Our efforts in ensuring food security, improving access to social services, and training caregivers are vital in strengthening community resilience and empowering individuals to build better futures.
Aganang
At Joburg Child Welfare, we recognized an urgent need and responded with heart: the creation of Aganang, a specialized training center dedicated to nurturing the next generation of social auxiliary workers. This initiative was sparked by a critical shortage of social workers in South Africa, a challenge that hampered our nation’s ability to care for children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other vulnerabilities.
Aganang is more than a training center; it’s a beacon of hope and empowerment. We extend our reach beyond professional training, embracing caregivers and volunteers from the heart of our communities. Through comprehensive learnerships, we not only bolster the ranks of those ready to make a difference but also fortify the very fabric of our communities.
Our vision with Aganang is twofold: to address the immediate need for skilled social care professionals and to cultivate a stronger, more resilient community network. Through empowerment and education, we’re building a foundation of care that will support generations to come.
Shop with us
Support Us and Change the Course of a Child’s Life Today!
Our charity shop has a wide range of new and pre-loved items that are ready to be put to good use inside a new space. Please consider visiting us at least once a month to see if we have what you might be looking for. You can also drop off any spare unused items that might be taking up space in your home, like old toys, books, blankets, and shoes that your children may have outgrown.