Philippa Garson
WHILE supporting the provisions in the Draft Child Care Amendment Bill=20 on child labour, the National Children=D5s Rights Committee (NCRC)=20 describes the bill as a =D2band-aid=D3 for glaring problems and calls for t=
drafting of an entirely new Act. The Bill uses a =D2pathology-centred model of dealing with children in need=
of care and protection=D3, says the NCRC. =D2There is no emphasis on=20 empowerment of communities or social assistance to poor families.=D3 Sexist=
and judgmental language from the old Act remains, as does a =D2lack of=20 emphasis on the child=D5s opinion and opportunity to express his or her=20 feelings in decisions taken about his or her welfare.=D3 The NCRC opposes the suggestion that prosecutors be used as assistants in=
the Children=D5s Court and recommends the use of specially trained=20 personnel. While the Bill allows for legal representation for children at t=
discretion of the children=D5s court, the NCRC calls for =D2automatic and=
compulsory legal representation in all matters affecting them=D3.=20 The NCRC also notes a lack of attention to the plight of street children.