“TowardsA South Africa Fit for Children”

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PRESENTATION :NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR CHILDREN (NPAC)

INTRODUCTION

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This presentation is on the Draft National Plan of Action for Children 2012 to 2017, which was developed by the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities

It is the review of the Plan developed in 1996.

The need and rationale for the review of 1996 National Plan of Action for Children was presented by, among others, changes in society, culture, technology and legal spheres

BACKGROUND

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South Africa became signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995 – As an obligation, she had to develop National Plan of Action for Children – which was done in 1996

The 1996 NPAC – was focusing on the core functions of key departments to provide services to children – not on what children need

The Reviewed 2012 - 2017 NPAC framework has been developed – embracing new legislation for children (local, regional and international)

Its focus is “The Child” as the central point of departure

Existing Government Plans

and Policies

National Development Plan –

VISION 2030

Constitution

UNCRC, ACRWC,UNCRDP

MDGs

The Making of a Plan for Children

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APPROACH

baseline information was collated on every issue and presented under every theme, to inform the implementation plan (e.g. child mortality - Child Survival)

government goals – have been used as a benchmark to inform programmes that are contributing in the achievement of government mandate towards children

objectives were set, based on a “SMART” principle broad national indicators were set to guide and track progress

during implementation possible strategies / programmes were suggested to achieve the

set objectives the roles of the lead and supporting departments in all sub-

themes were outlined

COMPONENTS: SUB-THEMES

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1. CHILD SURVIVAL reduction of child mortality by ensuring that babies are

born healthy and stay alive; keeping children healthy by providing good nutrition for

them; ensuring that children living with HIV and AIDS live longer;

2. CHILD DEVELOPMENT

This area ensures that: all children grow, learn and develop to be the best persons that they can be: the need for stimulation of children; access to early childhood development; quality of education of children in schools;

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COMPONENTS: SUB-THEMES (Cont)

disabled children and their access to education; children in rural and urban areas and access to services; children and the importance of creating opportunities for

play as a requirement for their development, etc.

3. PROTECTION AND CARE FOR CHILDREN

Keeping children safe and taking care of them: how to protect and support children who are victims of

abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence; protecting children from rape and sexual abuse; children who are orphans/without parents; (OVC)

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COMPONENTS: SUB-THEMES (Cont)

children living on the streets; children who are in conflict with the law; child-headed families; children living in children’s homes/alternative care; The plight of refugee children, unaccompanied minor;

4. STANDARD OF LIVING OF CHILDREN IN S.A.

This area focuses on key services - to provide quality care to children:

taking care of children who are poor; Improving the conditions of accommodation/ shelter/

houses that children live in;

COMPONENTS: SUB-THEMES (Cont)

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children’s access to clean water and hygiene; clean and safe cities, towns and communities; parks and recreational facilities for children; children receiving material support and food security

(social security)

5. CHILD PARTICIPATION participation in policy making in government, good

governance in different sectors and communities; children exercising their rights as guided by the

responsibilities that go with the rights

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

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Leadership: Cabinet - oversee translation of NPAC into Sectoral Policies and

Programmes; National Planning Commission and Dept. of Performance,

Monitoring and Evaluation – alignment

Coordination of Processes: DWCPD, NPAC Steering Committee and Ministerial Advisory

Council on Children

Advocacy and Mainstreaming: National and Provincial Depts., Municipalities, Civil Society and

Public

Child Participation: Ensuring that real needs of children are addressed; Monitoring

the implementation

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WORK DONE

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The NPAC structure was done with other departments

Workshops were organized for national and provincial departments, civil society, Children’s rights machinery and children themselves – inputs were consolidated

Had a meeting with a Team of Experts to refine the document on 19 April 2012

NPAC was tabled at the DGs meetings and inputs incorporated: - Social Cluster meetings on 13 June and 18 July 2012 - Governance and Administration Cluster meetings on 21 June

and 19 July 2012 - Justice Cluster meeting of 02 October 2012

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Child-Friendly NPAC developed - Inputs on 5 Nov 2011, National Children’s Day

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Continue to refine the documents based on inputs

Emerging issues of children, e.g. harmful cultural practices, mainstreaming of Early Childhood Development to all children, the spate of violence against children etc, to be considered as crucial

Final document to be circulated to HODs for endorsement

Release NPAC as public document during post the Cabinet approval

WAY FORWARD