A safe space for children at risk to play and be counselled has been opened at the Department of Social Development’s offices at 45 Alpha Street in Mitchell’s Plain Industria.
The child play therapy room — a specialised counselling room equipped with toys, educational material and specialised dolls, valued at R34 000 is the third in the province.
The room’s launch forms part of the provincial department’s Mandela Month commemorations.
Sihle Ngobese, spokesperson for Social Development MEC Albert Fritz, said it plays a critical role in enabling specialist child protection social workers to assist children who have been physically, emotionally and or sexually abused.
“It creates a safe space for children to express themselves, including reporting serious crimes that they may have witnessed,” he said.
Play therapy is an innovative counselling technique used by social workers to communicate with and help children to prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges.
The department’s local office will continue to render specialist services to the community, including child care and protection services; probation services; substance abuse interventions; family and parenting support services to the surrounding community; and services to people with disabilities and older persons.
The public is encouraged to ask for social work assistance by visiting the department’s offices or calling their hotline on 080 022 0250.