05/09/2026
π‘MONDAY FUN ANSWER
βοΈ Section 1 of the Childrenβs Act defines a βchild-headed householdβ as a household recognised as such in terms of section 137.
The correct answers are:
π¦ A. The parent, guardian or care-giver is terminally ill.
π© B. The parent, guardian or care-giver has died.
π§ C. The parent, guardian or care-giver has abandoned the children in the household.
π₯ D. A child over the age of 16 years has assumed the role of care-giver for the children in the household.
Did you get it right? π
π Important: A, B and C are alternative circumstances. The parent, guardian or care-giver does not have to be terminally ill, deceased and have abandoned the children. One of these circumstances may apply.
βοΈ How does section 150 connect?
Section 150(2)(b) provides that a child in a child-headed household may be a child in need of care and protection and must be referred for investigation by a designated social worker.
This does not mean that every child living in a child-headed household is automatically found to be in need of care and protection. The referral for investigation is required, but the finding must follow the designated social workerβs investigation.
π How must the household function?
A recognised child-headed household must function under the general supervision of a designated adult. The supervising adult must be a fit and proper person.
The child heading the household may make the day-to-day decisions relating to the household and the children. The supervising adult may not make decisions without consulting the child heading the household and, depending on their age, maturity and stage of development, the other children.
A child-headed household may not be excluded from grants, assistance or government programmes merely because the household is headed by a child.
Knowing the law strengthens practice. βοΈ
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult the applicable legislation, regulations and rules.
Disclaimer: This post is shared for education purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
