Social Welfare Division
At the heart of our work is one simple truth, we care, and we are here for you.
Life can bring challenges that feel too heavy to carry alone. Whether you are facing a crisis, going through a difficult family situation, or simply need someone to listen and guide you, the Social Welfare Division is here to walk alongside you.
Our goal is to protect the vulnerable, strengthen families, and help every individual in Francistown live with dignity, safety, and hope
SOCIAL WELFARE
Every action we take is guided by compassion, respect, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to live in safety, dignity, and hope.
“Your safety, dignity, and well-being matter to us, always.”
Our Commitment to You
We work under Botswana’s Children’s Act (2009), Domestic Violence Act (2008), National Social Protection Framework (2017), and other policies that protect the rights and welfare of all people
Stress-freE
beyond laws and policies, our work is driven by compassion.
Everyone deserves a chance to live in safety, dignity, and hope.porttitor.
- National Social Protection
- Poverty Eradication Guidelines
- Domestic Violence Act (2008)
Key Acts & Policies
- Children’s Act (2009) – Protects the rights, safety, and welfare of all children.
- Children in Need of Care Regulations – Provides legal framework for identifying and supporting at-risk children.
- Early Childhood Care and Education Policy (2001) – Promotes holistic early development and protection of young children.
- COFC Day Care Centre Bye-Laws – Regulates the safe and proper operation of day care centres.
- Marriage Act (Cap. 29:01) – Governs legal marriage requirements.
- Matrimonial Causes Act (Cap. 29:06) – Covers divorce, legal separation, and related family matters.
- Disserted Wives and Children Act (Cap. 28:03) – Protects the rights and welfare of abandoned spouses and children.
- Affiliation Proceedings (Cap. 28:02) – Establishes parental responsibilities for children born outside marriage.
- Adoption Act (1952) – Regulates legal adoption processes.
- Maintenance Order Enforcement Act (Cap. 29:04) – Enforces financial support for children and dependents.
- Domestic Violence Act (2008) – Protects individuals from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
- Anti-Human Trafficking Act (2014) – Prevents exploitation and protects victims of trafficking.
- Citizenship Act (Cap. 01:01) – Governs nationality and citizenship matters.
- Mental Disorders Act (Cap. 63:02) – Provides for care and treatment of individuals with mental health conditions.
- National Social Protection Framework (2017) – Outlines Botswana’s social protection strategies.
- Revised Policy on Destitute Persons (2002) – Provides assistance for individuals in extreme poverty.
- Poverty Eradication Guidelines – Guides poverty reduction initiatives.
- Rehabilitation Guidelines – Directs rehabilitation services for vulnerable groups.
- Community Home-Based Care Guidelines (2015) – Supports care for chronically ill and vulnerable individuals in their homes.
- Disability Guidelines – Ensures inclusion, rights, and protection for persons with disabilities.
FAQ
What is the qualifying criterion for destitution assistance?
- Client should have a minimum income of P300, 00 per month.
- Client should have a minimum of 6 livestock.
- Individual with disability or chronic health.
- Individual with insufficient assets and income sources.
What documents are required when applying for assistance?
- Certified copies of identity documents (i.e. birth certificates, Omang, death certificates
- Affidavit
How do I register a child as an orphan?
- Submission of certified copy of birth certificates of the child
- Submission of certified copies of death certificates of both parents, and if one of the parents is unknown, an
- affidavit is required for validation
Can I become a foster parent and what are the requirements?
- Are willing and able, emotionally, physically, financially, or otherwise to foster a child.
- Have been assessed by a social worker as being able to foster.
- Have not been convicted (or suspected on reasonable grounds of committing) an offence under this Act or any other law.
- Additionally, the following persons may apply to the Minister to foster a child in need of protection:
- A husband and wife jointly.
- Any other person whom the court considers fit and proper to nurture and care for the child in a stable environment.
