KNYSNA NEWS – The Dorothy Broster Child and Youth Care Centre, a long-standing safe haven for vulnerable children in the Garden Route region, is set to close its doors within the next three months.
The announcement has sparked concern and debate across the community, particularly regarding the role of the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), the challenges faced by the centre, and the handling of communications around its closure.
At the heart of the discussion is the fate of the 50 children currently in care, whose futures now lie in the hands of authorities, social workers, and collaborating organisations.
DSD has assured the public that the well-being of each child remains the top priority, with efforts underway to reunite children with families, place them in foster care, or relocate them to other centres in the region.
While DSD maintained that it had "left no stone unturned" in its support and decision-making, the Dorothy Broster board has said the same in defence of its own internal efforts to avoid closure.
"We have worked tirelessly to try and meet the department's standards despite resource constraints," said Rudie Cronje, chairperson of Knysna Child Welfare, during a public meeting held on Tuesday 29 July.
It was revealed that DSD had funded 45 bed spaces at Dorothy Broster over the past four years. Despite this, the facility continued to struggle with serious operational and compliance issues.
A recent quality management report found that the centre could not meet key national norms and standards in the Children's Act.
Non-financial factors contributing to the closure included underqualified carers, only one social worker for 50 children, lack of recreational space, unsuitable transport, high water bills, unsafe fencing, and the need for renovations to the boys' dormitory.
DSD confirmed it will provide full funding during the three-month closure from 1 August to ensure a structured transition.
A succession plan is being developed with the board and stakeholders to guarantee uninterrupted care, education, and mental health support for each child.
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