Child Welfare Durban & District

Giving Childhood back to Children

join us

Who we are.

Child Welfare Durban & District

Child Welfare Durban and District (CWDD) is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection, care, and empowerment of vulnerable children and families across Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

As part of the Child Welfare South Africa network, CWDD operates in alignment with national child protection frameworks, working closely with government departments, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure children receive care that meets the highest standards of safety, dignity, and accountability.

Residential Care Services

Child Welfare Durban and District (CWDD) provides specialised residential care through two registered Child and Youth Care Centres, offering safe, structured, and therapeutic environments for children who are unable to remain in their family homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other circumstances requiring protection.

Othandweni Child and Youth Care Centre

William Clark Gardens / Othandweni Child and Youth Care Centre provides residential care to children who have been abused, orphaned, abandoned, neglected, or affected/infected by HIV/AIDS. The Centre admits children from across KwaZulu-Natal and is fully registered with the Department of Social Development.

Aligned with the vision of CWDD, the Centre promotes justice, child rights, and holistic well-being, offering a healing and inclusive environment that supports children, families, and communities.

Adoption Services

Child Welfare Durban and District (CWDD) provides specialised, legally compliant adoption services that focus on securing permanent, loving families for children who are unable to remain in their biological families. Adoption is a legally recognised process through which parental rights and responsibilities are transferred to adoptive parents, ensuring long-term stability, care, and belonging for the child.

Lakehaven Child and Youth Care Centre

Lakehaven Child and Youth Care Centre is a therapeutic residential facility providing care to vulnerable children under the age of 21 who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or trauma.

Registered with the Department of Social Development, all placements are made via Children’s Court Orders, ensuring legal protection and appropriate intervention.

Our Reach

Making a Real Impact

Every act of compassion counts. Every intervention saves a life.

+ 0 Years

of dedicated child protection and welfare services in Durban

Registered Child and Youth Care Centres providing specialised residential care

Make a Donation

Your contribution helps protect a child and restore a family’s hope.

Become a Volunteer

Give your time, share your heart — change a child’s life forever.

Make A Gift

A simple act of kindness today can shape a brighter tomorrow for a child in need.

From Our Community.

Success Stories

Child Welfare Golf Day 2025

This event aims to raise funds to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in need. All proceeds will benefit William Clark Gardens, Edith Benson Babies Home, Lakehaven Child and Youth Care Facility and our social work services. By participating, you can help bring hope and joy to the lives of these vulnerable children.

Learn more

Meet Local Leaders Fighting For Equality

Incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt...