At the Teddy Bear Foundation, we offer holistic, integrated services to children that have been abused.
Child abuse no more
About us
We love children, and we're here to accompany them on their healing journey
Victim Support Services
Teen Mom Programme
Prevention and Early Intervention
Community Outreach
In South Africa, child abuse is an
ongoing problem
As a child abuse NGO, Our concern is not only to support children and families affected by abuse but also to promote: CHILD ABUSE NO MORE.
We use a two-pronged approach:
Medico-legal assessments for prevention and early intervention of child abuse and neglect
Historically, our child abuse organisation has supported abused children through the Criminal Justice System to ensure psychological healing takes place. We want children to be able to fulfil their places as valuable members of society without the scarring that may perpetuate child abuse in the future. We do this through forensic medical examinations, supportive therapy, forensic evaluations, psychological testing, and a court preparation programme for children and parents.
Diversion
The second prong of the TBF approach is offering, in partnership with the courts, a diversion programmefor young sex offenders. This programme is designed to redirect the child offender from the criminal justice system and rehabilitate the child into more constructive behaviours. This prevents the child from developing into an adult offender, which in turn helps us achieve the aim of our child abuse NGO: Child Abuse No More.
Our History
The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children (TTBC) originated in 1986 in response to an urgent need for medical examinations for sexually abused children. From there, it has grown into a fully-fledged child abuse NGO for abused children in South Africa.
Since the inception of the Child Abuse Clinic in 1986, there has been an increase in the number of referrals made to the Teddy Bear Foundation for Abused Children. This precipitated the development of additional programmes to address more than the medical needs of the children. The Teddy Bear Foundation for Abused Children expanded its services to prevent secondary victimisation of children and their families.
The Teddy Bear Foundation is now a registered child abuse organization that provides a holistic and integrated approach to children and their families.
Meet our team
The people on a mission to prevent child abuse
Qualifications: BA, Social Work, Master’s in Mental Health, Dip. In Marriage Guidance and counselling, Forensic Assessment of child victims of abuse, doctoral thesis on young sex offenders, Specialised GBV courses at John Hopkins University, UNICEF, and DSD.
As the Clinical Director of TBF since 2000, Shaheda sits on the executive committee and guides the strategic direction of the clinic. She is a leader who is respected throughout the organisation and in the field of abuse of children, both in the government and NGO sectors.
The work Shaheda does is not a job, it is her passion. She continues tackling government and holding people accountable as she fights the injustices perpetrated against children and their families. She advocates children’s rights by confronting legislation and policy in pursuit of the best interests of the child to prevent secondary trauma and victimisation of all children. Under Shaheda’s guidance, our work is widely recognised by the government, civil society and media. Her insight into the psyche of child abuse is phenomenal, and she strives to share this knowledge and develop the staff at TBF.
AWARDS:
– Child Protection Award from DSD
– White Ribbon Award for making a difference
– Impumelelo Social innovators Award – Gold
– National Lotteries Board Indaba and Inaugural Awards
– Standard Bank – Woman of the Year – NGO Category
– International Women’s Leadership in Healthcare Award
– Global Award – Winner – in Mumbai for 100 most Impactful Leader
– Global Award for Women of the Year in the Health Industry
– Rocci Community Service Champion- Silver
Qualifications: Patrick Zulu graduated from the University of South Africa in 2017 with a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree in (Social Work) and majored in psychology.
Patrick Zulu has been with the Teddy Bear Foundation since 2011. He started working for the organization as a social auxiliary worker while furthering his studies in social science at the university of South Africa
His passion and hard work did not go unnoticed and it led to him being appointed by the organization to work with young offenders and coordinate the whole programme (Diversion programme Coordinator).
Patrick’s extensive knowledge in working with children in conflict with the law comes as a result of collaborating with other stakeholders who work in the same space.
Qualifications: SAIF South Africa Institute of Fundraising, SAIF course (South African Institute of Fundraising); 5 Building Blocks for Successful Fundraising; NPO Fundraising Forum 2020 and 2021; Reels in Social Media; Fundraising and Marketing. Experience: 10 Years
Dalene has been with The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children for 15 years. As a volunteer I was captured by the need to provide services to children and their families when abuse is experienced by engaging with a young lady making use of our services. Lerato touched me by telling me that through the Teddy Bear Foundation she had learnt that her rape did not define her but rather what she would do for the rest of her life that counted. I started assisting in the accounts office and developed into the fundraising position.
As the fundraiser l am privileged to deal with other fundraisers through various groups such as Charities for Change, CONNECT, CAF and Wesbank/FNB volunteering.
Qualifications: Faith Nkomo graduated from the University of Fort Hare in 2006 with a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree in (Social Work).
She has been with the organization for 11years and has worked across all the three branches.
Faith began her career in October, 2007 as a Junior Social Worker at Central Gauteng Mental Health Society. She later joined Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Center in 2009 where she worked in a multi-disciplinary team as a Gender Based Violence Social Worker at Sinakekelwe Thuthuzela Care Center, Natalspruit Hospital.
Faith has comprehensive knowledge of and understanding of child protection related matters.
Qualifications: Jeffrey Maluleke qualified from the University of South Africa as a social worker in 2003.
He also have obtained an honors degree from the University of Johannesburg in 2008. He has occupied numerous social work roles in public institutions and Non Governmental organizations. He has also worked in the United Kingdoms as a Social worker. He has acquired my experience and worked in the criminal Justice environment with offenders and victim of crime. I have also worked in the community development field. Jeffrey Maluleke joined The Teddy Bear Foundation as a Branch manager in April 2022.
Qualifications:
BA Social Work degree obtained from the University of South Africa, UNISA-Pretoria, and was also registered as a Private Social Worker with the South African Social Work in Private Practice.
She has worked at ChildLine, which is as non-governmental organization, and for Cotlands Baby Sanctuary dealing with statutory cases. She has 16 years experience in the profession and is currently being supervised by Dr. Shaheda Omar. In addition to counselling service, she also comes with a wealth of training experience and it goes across multiple disciplines.
Ruth Letsoalo is currently employed by Teddy Bear Foundation for abused children, which specializes in all forms of child abuse, as the Chief Social Worker/Branch Manager for the Johannesburg Branch.
Our vision
To have a society free of child abuse – Child Abuse No More.
Our purpose
We are here for all children – preventing and minimising the devastating effects of abuse on children and their families by providing specialised care, protection, support, and help to all who need it.
Our mission
To provide efficient and professional services that effectively promote healing and stop further abuse. This minimises any secondary harm to children and their families entering the child protection system.
Take action
You can be part of a child's journey of healing
We’re a registered NGO tackling child abuse in South Africa.
