The Gauteng Department of Social Development joins the country in recognising and celebrating Child and Youth Care Workers during Child and Youth Care Workers Week 2026.
This commemoration is observed from 04-10 May 2026.
These dedicated men and women play an important role in the lives of vulnerable children across the province. Every day, they provide care, support, guidance, and protection to children and young people in Child and Youth Care Centres, communities, schools, and families.
Child and Youth Care Workers are often the first to comfort a traumatised child, support young people facing difficult circumstances, and help restore hope where it has been lost. Their work continues to make a real difference in the lives of children affected by abuse, neglect, exploitation, substance abuse, abandonment, and other social challenges.
As part of its ongoing commitment to child protection, the Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to strengthen support for Child and Youth Care Workers through training, skills development, supervision, and improved support programmes.
The Department also continues to work closely with Child and Youth Care Workers through its 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action to ensure that vulnerable children receive the care and support they need.
Across Gauteng communities, Child and Youth Care Workers assist with prevention and early intervention programmes, support families in distress, and help children access important social services.
In Child and Youth Care Centres, they provide daily care and create safe, stable, and nurturing environments where children can heal, grow, and rebuild their confidence.
The Gauteng Provincial Government acknowledges that child and youth care work is both demanding and emotionally challenging. Despite these difficulties, Child and Youth Care Workers continue to serve with compassion, patience, and commitment.
The Department encourages communities to appreciate and support the important work carried out by Child and Youth Care Workers, whose contribution remains critical in building safer families and protecting the rights and dignity of children.
Child and Youth Care Workers Week is a reminder that caring for and protecting children is everyone’s responsibility, and that these frontline workers remain at the heart of that mission.