MEET VERNON...
Vernon* was born in the winter of 2007. When he was one month old he was admitted to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital with neonatal sepsis. At the time his mother was also ill and went home to Mozambique. A month later when Vernon was ready to be discharged she was not back yet and the social workers were unable to contact his father.
Vernon was referred to TLC while efforts continued to contact his parents. When his parents were eventually located they were in need of some social assistance, but after 9 months Vernon was returned to the custody of his biological aunt and uncle.
*names have been changed.