07/09/2026
Empowering Social Workers On Forensic Report Writing
The Department of Social and Community Development is hosting a five day Forensic Social Work Report Writing Training aimed at strengthening the knowledge and practical skills of Social Welfare Officers.
The training covers key aspects of forensic report writing, including the format and purpose of forensic reports, presentation of case facts, analysis of facts and application of relevant theories, among other areas.
Speaking during the official opening of the training, His Worship the Mayor, Oageng Makgosa, highlighted that the training comes at a critical time as the number of child related cases, particularly those involving orphans and vulnerable children, child abuse and child neglect, continues to rise in the district.
The Mayor emphasised that social workers are at the frontline of protecting the rights and welfare of children. However, he noted that they cannot do this work alone and must continue to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Botswana Police Service, health workers and teachers.
Town Clerk, Mr Lawrence B. Mokotedi, outlined the objectives of the training as equipping officers with the practical knowledge and skills required to produce high quality forensic reports that are clear, accurate and factual. He further noted that the training seeks to strengthen case management in child protection and improve service delivery in the district amid the increasing number of child related cases.
The urgency of strengthening child protection services is reflected in the statistics recorded so far in the 2026/27 financial year, with a total of 53 child related cases reported. Defilement remains the leading reported case at 17, followed by r**e at 8, child neglect at 6 and physical abuse at 6, while the remaining 16 cases comprise other categories of child-related cases.
During the training, social workers shared their experiences in handling child related cases, including concerns about delays in the finalisation of cases by the DPP.
Responding to the concerns, Chief Public Prosecutor, Ms Ivy Tshupelo, acknowledged that delays have been experienced due to a backlog of cases. She, however, indicated that the Department has resolved to hand minor cases over to the Botswana Police Service, a move expected to reduce the workload on the DPP and improve turnaround times in finalising children's cases.
The training is expected to contribute towards strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders, improving the quality of forensic reports and, ultimately, enhancing the protection and welfare of children within the district.