Abstract
The aim of the paper is to explore selected pertinent challenges that impede child and youth care centres (CYCCs) from providing holistic support and care to children found in need of care as stated in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005. A qualitative approach was utilised in the study and the case study was used as the research design. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The major findings drawn from the study are that factors posit serious threats in the achievement of providing holistic care and protection to children in CYCCs. These challenges range from high staff turnover, funding and management constraints. The paper recommends a revision of the policy on financial rewards, revision of service level agreements, increased support staff for social workers and prioritising child protection as a matter of national interest, among others.