Vulnerable Children in South Africa

Book excerpt: Vulnerable Children in South Africa: Legal, social development and criminological aspects analyses the legal, social development, criminological and penology issues that affect vulnerable children and children who are in conflict with the law. The book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to the topic and considers vulnerability within both the family and broader societal structures. The book addresses the needs of children as victims and children as perpetrators of harm. The book takes a holistic view of vulnerability in childhood and addresses a wide variety of issues, including the nature and potential legal impact of harmful cultural practices. Vulnerable Children in South Africa also describes the causes and effects of vulnerability in childhood and emphasises the multi-disciplinary aspects of working with such children as victims or offenders. The authors concentrate on the processes that apply to the work of various professionals: police officers-, lawyers, social workers, probation officers and correctional officers. The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, the Children's Act 38 of 2005 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 are among the Acts that are discussed.