International Child and Youth Care Work Week, taking place from 4 to 10 May 2026
The South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) proudly joins the global community in celebrating International Child and Youth Care Work Week, taking place from 4 to 10 May 2026. This annual observance honours the vital role of child and youth care workers and auxiliary child and youth care workers who dedicate their lives focusing on the developmental and therapeutic needs of vulnerable children and youth across diverse settings
This year’s theme “Caring, Connecting and Advocating in Troubled Times”, speaks directly to the challenges of our era - a world marked by instability, inequality and displacement.
Members of Council, Professional Board for Social Work and Professional Board for Child and Youth Care Work contributed thoughtful messages. These messages collectively capture the spirit of child and youth care work-celebrating the resilience, skill and dedication of those working with vulnerable children and families.
We invite you to read and reflect on these inspiring contributions.
Download the collection of messages here: