2008-07-07Staff Report 2 By Petronella Sibeene WINDHOEK Some 30 government social workers on Friday received probation certificates that will enable them to attend court and defend cases of custody and control over vulnerable children. For an orphan or vulnerable child to receive government social grants, a social worker has to investigate the circumstances of the caregiver and make recommendations to court but under the current law, without a probation certificate, a social worker cannot do any of the mentioned. Thus, probation officers will now be able to carry out their statutory work of caring and protecting children, commented one social worker. Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Angelika Muharukua, at the handover ceremony of certificates said her ministry is trying through various programmes to eliminate all threats that will hinder the healthy and balanced upbringing of Namibian children. One of the ways is to provide a range of social grants specifically aimed at improving the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children. 2008-07-07Staff Report 2
