Vision
Our Vision is for JISS to be a ?nancially sustainable Social Service Organization that is renowned for its dynamic professional team and
Service excellence.
Mission
Our mission is to protect, uplift and promote the well=being of children, individuals and families through the provision of essential social
services and community development and empowerment projects.
Pro?le
The Johannesburg institute of Social Services (JISS) is a child and family welfare institute that extends services to individuals, families and
communities. JISS endeavours to deliver services that re?ect the demographics of South Africa.
Child and Family Care Units operate from the two JISS Centres in Mayfair and Lenasia. JISS is the primary NGO in Mayfair and Lenasia
dealing with child neglect, child abuse and family problems affecting children younger than 12 years of age. Individual social workers carry an
enormous responsibility in assessing children at risk, family preservation and determining the best interest of children in terms of the
Children’s Act before statutory intervention. Intrinsic to the social work profession is regular debrie?ng and supervision.
Social work services and community development/empowerment programmes including the complementary charity work of volunteers is
delivered to the community from the two JISS Centres. Child abuse awareness and prevention programmes, an HIV/AIDS programme
focussing on orphaned and vulnerable children as well as educare and outreach facilities in informal settlements are some of the community
work programmes that JISS is involved in. Tow Senior Citizens’ Luncheon Clubs enjoy the use of the JISS Centres.
Included under the JISS banner is a school in Lenasia for children with special needs, the JISWA School with a staff complement of 71 and
390 learners, as well as a Profound Unit for severely mentally challenged children.
JISS is an important centre for the training of student social workers and social auxiliary workers who do their practical work under the
supervision of JISS’ social work mangers.
The skills shortage of social workers continues to plague the child protection sector. The skills shortage is being addressed by the JISSSANZAF BURSARY FUND. It is envisaged that the Bursary Fund will attract youth to embark on a career in social work. JISS and SANZAF as
community-based organisations have begun providing youth with the opportunity to engage in community services and receive student
supervision during their practical placements at JISS.