ACVV Poplarlaan, Non-Profit Organisation

13/06/2026

11/06/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that social workers play important roles in court proceedings. Their work goes far beyond counselling and community services. In many cases, social workers help the court understand the social, family and environmental factors affecting the individuals involved in a case.

Before a court hearing, a social worker may conduct home visits, interview family members, assess living conditions and gather information about a child's welfare, family relationships or a client's social circumstances. The findings are often compiled into a social inquiry report or assessment report for the court.

During proceedings, social workers may provide professional testimony, explain their findings and offer recommendations that support the best interests of children, families, victims, older adults or other vulnerable persons. In child custody cases, juvenile matters, domestic violence situations, adoption proceedings and cases involving vulnerable adults, social workers help judges make informed decisions based on more than legal facts alone.

Social workers also provide emotional support to clients who may find the court process intimidating. They help clients understand procedures, access services, comply with court orders and connect with resources that can improve their circumstances.

In simple terms, while lawyers focus on legal arguments and judges interpret the law, social workers help the court understand the human story behind the case.

That is why social workers remain an essential part of achieving justice, protection, rehabilitation and positive social outcomes.

10/06/2026

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health matters for everyone, including the men in our lives who often carry their struggles in silence.

This month, let's encourage open conversations, break the stigma, and remind men that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

🗣️ Talk.
👂 Listen.
🤝 Support.
💚 Heal.

You are not alone. Help is here. Hope is real.
If you're struggling, reach out. If someone you know is struggling, check in. A simple conversation can make a life-changing difference.

09/06/2026

🚨 RAMAPHOSA CONFIRMS THE END IS COMING FOR SOUTH AFRICA'S GREEN ID BOOKS AS HOME AFFAIRS PREPARES A DEADLINE THAT COULD FORCE MILLIONS OF CITIZENS TO SWITCH TO SMART ID CARDS 🇿🇦

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the Department of Home Affairs will set an official date after which South Africa's green barcoded ID books will no longer be recognised as a valid form of identification.

The move forms part of government's plan to modernise the country's identity system, improve security and reduce fraud. Once the deadline is announced, South Africans who still rely on green ID books may be required to obtain Smart ID Cards to continue accessing various services.

Millions of citizens still use the traditional green ID book, especially older South Africans and those living in areas where access to Smart ID Card services has been limited.

The announcement has already sparked debate online, with some South Africans supporting the move towards a fully digital and secure identity system, while others are concerned about accessibility, processing times and whether everyone will be able to switch before the deadline.

Home Affairs is expected to provide further details on the implementation process and the timeline for phasing out the green ID book.

💬 Do you support government's plan to retire the green ID book, or should South Africans be allowed to keep using it indefinitely?

08/06/2026

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⚠️ CHILD PROTECTION WEEK SERIES #9: LOOKING BEYOND THE INDICATOR
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A bruise. A disclosure. Poor hygiene. Frequent absences. A withdrawn child.

These are important indicators that may alert us to possible concerns, but indicators do not automatically provide answers.

As child protection practitioners, our responsibility is not only to identify indicators, but also to assess, gather information, analyse patterns and apply professional judgement before making decisions.

Good assessment asks:
✔️ What happened?
✔️ What is the impact on the child?
✔️ What information is still missing?
✔️ What intervention is required?

Remember: not every indicator confirms maltreatment, but every indicator deserves careful consideration. Assessment is not about proving. It is about understanding. Ultimately, our focus must remain on the safety, wellbeing and best interests of the child - Children's Act terminology.

💬 In your experience, which indicator is most often misunderstood or misinterpreted in practice?





⚖️Disclaimer: This series reflects my professional opinion, experience, interpretation of legislation and research in child protection practice. Professional opinions and interpretations may differ. The information shared is intended to encourage reflection, learning and discussion within the child protection field.