Exposure to violence and neglect, as well as the delayed development of the most vulnerable children are some of the invisible consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This and more, was found in a report published by the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom (AKK Nylstroom), The hidden impact of Covid-19 on children at Child and Youth Care Centers.

According to the social work manager of AKK Nylstroom, me. Elize Sauer, the orphanage has first-hand experience on the impact of the Covid-19 restriction on children living in dangerous and unhealthy environments.

Due to many restrictions, social workers were prevented from intervening in a timely manner in situations where children were left defenseless. “The removal of children from dangerous situations and the obtaining of court orders to keep children in safe care was also hampered by the restraint,” Sauer said.

In addition to the material impact on children who could not be removed from dangerous situations, there was also a psychological impact. Even children admitted to the AKK Nylstroom during this period experienced the psychological trauma of isolation.

On a psychological level, children were forced to deal with a situation that could be described as an “island of isolation”. No family was allowed on the premises and children could not leave the premises. Most children could only see their families in December 2020 – a full year after their previous physical contact with their families. Sauer believes that children missed social interaction with their friends at school and the consequences of their isolation could be seen in uncontrolled behavior.

The return to school also meant quite a few new regulations and conditions that children had to comply with. In the worst cases, this led to children being held back academically. “These observations confirm studies showing that isolation, loss of choice and autonomy, and anxiety caused by the pandemic will have long-term implications for children,” Sauer added.

In the report, AKK Nylstroom emphasized the role of the community as the primary support base for child and youth care centers. Every child needs to interact with the community to grow and prosper. “At Abraham Kriel Children’s Home Nylstroom, we strive to limit the impact of Covid-19 on our children. We also appreciate the continued support of the community during the pandemic,” Sauer concluded.